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Gardening in the UK

composting

17 years ago

I have 2 compost bins, one tumbler and one static plastic 'Big Bin'. I'm not proud of the following so no flaming please - for a considerable time I've chucked my bindweed in the local river. Anyway I want to remedy this so I'm thinking of storing it until it dries out then maybe burning it then putting on the compo. Or maybe even just storing it to throw on the bi-annual bonfire. Any tips on how to store/treat it before putting it in the compo? Another problem is blackberry cuttings. Can it be shredded and stored before putting in the compo? Or should it be done the other way round i.e. stored until brown then shredded?

As I say I'm not proud of my actions - anyway I'm determined to turn over a new leaf - boom! boom!

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Comments (4)

flora_uk
17 years ago
If it is THOROUGHLY dried out bindweed can go on the compost heap but it has to be completely dehydrated which will be hard to do as we go into Autumn. I have it in my soft fruit patch and tend to pull it up and then hang it over the currants until it is dry. If it touches the ground it will get some moisture and not die. If you are into compost have a look over on the Soil, compost and mulch forum on Garden web. There you will meet completely obsessive compost aficionados who will have tried to compost everything you can imagine ... and some things you can't. it's one of the most entertaining forums on here. Blackberry cuttings are not a problem. Just cut them up with the secateurs and mix them in with the other stuff. or shred them if you have a shredder (though I'm a bit anti. Why use electric power in a process that is supposed to be helping save the environment?) And you really need a bonfire? I compost all prunings including all the soft fruit, hedge trimmings and shrub prunings. Perennial weeds I dry out. Branches I stack and wait. And lucky you to have a local river.
shrubs_n_bulbs
17 years ago
In general, compost immediately after shredding, don't store. Shredded material breaks down very quickly. It will store better intact.
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red_hot_poker
Original Author
17 years ago
thanks for the advice flora - I'll have a look at the forum. I used to hang around here about 5 years ago back in the days when we were campaigning for Bob Flowerdew not to be thrown off Gardener's World. Anyway good to be back. I am lucky to have the river - and am determined to get this compost thing sorted out and stop being so daft. All the best - Katherine
deadlyart
17 years ago
I personaly would never compost bind weed, in my opinion it is far to invasive to have in your compost, as I am sure you will know, once you have it it is so hard to get rid of even the smallest bit of root will send out deep runners. I think the best place for it is the bonfire. Or having an area that is dedicated to rotting down your bindweed and other invasive plants only. If you havent used comfrey on your compost heap yet give it a go it is great but needs to be dry before adding.

Here is a link that might be useful: my garden sculptures

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