Comments on: Twigs, Sticks and Branches https://www.compostthis.co.uk/twigs-sticks-and-branches The easy to use composting guide Mon, 14 Nov 2022 13:02:06 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.38 By: MiTmite9 https://www.compostthis.co.uk/twigs-sticks-and-branches#comment-976856 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 01:40:06 +0000 http://www.compostthis.co.uk/twigs-sticks-and-branches#comment-976856 I see it is a year since you asked your question, and that’s a long time to anticipate. Here’s my answer for you: Yes—Weeds, unless composted in a very high-heat compost will generally reseed themselves via your compost. Some weed seeds like high heat, too, and will survive even high heat.

My suggestion is that you never put weeds into your compost unless you know your compost is going to treat them to an extremely high dose of heat. Or, if you don’t mind the extra work, try putting only the parts of the weeds in that don’t carry the seeds.

I was taught to make my compost by adding plenty of green horse manure, along with kitchen scraps, yard green waste (leaves, vines), some paper waste, etc. Cover the pile with thick black plastic and keep it moist (not wet). Turn this pile every three days. At the end of 14 days you will have a lovely nutrient-rich compost to add to your garden.

If your compost pile isn’t steaming hot the first few times it is turned, it’s not heating up enough, and you may well be nurturing weed seeds.

As for thick-stemed plants, they will break down quite nicely, if you have enough heat in your compost pile/compost tumbler. Any thicker stems should be chopped o bits, as that will help the bio process.

]]> By: Mike Cavender https://www.compostthis.co.uk/twigs-sticks-and-branches#comment-357575 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 15:14:58 +0000 http://www.compostthis.co.uk/twigs-sticks-and-branches#comment-357575 Do compost weeds grow again as weeds. Also plants that have quite a thick stem, can they be composted as they are or should they be cut up into small pieces.

waiting in anticipation,
Mike

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