Follow Us!
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
| Member | Message |
|---|---|
 |
Posted: Sep/19/2005 2:42 AM PST
I was wondering if there would be any problem using fresh weeds for a nitrogen source? If the pile gets hot enough it will kill the seeds anyway right? Even if it didn't I plan to mulch with straw or hay anyhow so weeds seeds shouldn't be a problem. Has anyone else used weeds for organic matter in their compost? I have too small a lawn to provide adequate clipping to add to the oncoming glut of leaves. |
 |
Posted: Sep/19/2005 9:45 PM PST
I should probably let someone more knowledgable than myself contribute to this post, but take it for what it's worth - IF your pile heats up enough it may kill weed seeds. See my post on 'need help fixing my compost bin' and 'ajlikesworms' post 8-16. AJ includes a list of GOOD things to add and he includes stems of any kind. I would tend to take off seed heads of weeds because I detest the little buggers and don't trust mulch alone to conquer them in the spring. Otherwise any stems add some nitrogen. I am in the same nitrogen fix in that I don't have enough - was about to ask about dead plants from my vegetable garden but in reviewing my own post got my answer! Good luck in West By God Virginia - I worked at the vet college in SW Virginia-Blacksburg and got to meet a lot of you folks! |
 |
Posted: Sep/19/2005 10:13 PM PST
 I have alaways Composted my weeds! If there are dry seeds on them I toss them in the trash.Ye have to be sure ye don't put any invasive plants in it. Like burmuda grass, mint, etc. I think the Weeds make great nitrogen! I don't like wasting anything. If I run out of Carbon(brown's) I shred newspaper, esp in winter when I mostly have kitchen to compost. Good if ye have a bunch of orange peels or lots of spoiled fruits and veggies. I even put the large seeds in and remove them when I harvest the compost. Occasionally I have a sm tree growing, or a potato vine. lol I've never tried transplanting them, but I guess they could be. I jus turn them under with a spading fork. AS we said in my Master Composters Class--- ROT ON!! We had so much fun in that class. Learned a lot too!! 
|
 |
Posted: Sep/20/2005 11:24 AM PST
I normally add all of my yard waste to my piles, but later in the summer like now I will refrain from putting the weeds that have gone to seed in. The main purpose of pulling the weeds is to stop them from spreading, so its just not worth it to me to take a chance on spreading the weeds. Not a big deal though. |
 |
Posted: Sep/22/2005 6:17 PM PST
If I am worried about seed heads, I will just cut that part off (if the weed is big enough) and throw the seeds away and compost the rest. But young weeds, which I am assuming hasn't flowered yet, are a good source of nitrogen to heat up your pile. |
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
