Compost Discussion Thread (Merged Threads)

demented_2

Hi, I have found some comfrey plants that are growing near us, I have heard that you can use the leaves as a fertiliser for potatoes, We have dug our Runner bean trench and was wondering if we could just lay some Comfrey leaves or plants in the trench and then cover it up with the soil. Then plant the runner beans in the usual way. Would this be ok to do this? Hope some one can advise. Thanks demented

lynseydee

I'm sure I saw on a program hosted by Simon Mayo about two different allotments that one of the people on their allotment used comfrey in the bottom of their trenches before they planted something (can't remember what it was though). I'm sorry I'm not much help but I'm sure someone out their can help you more than I can.

lynseydee

Don't know if anyone has any problems with their composting but here is a tip I found on the QVC website.

http://www.qvcuk.com/video/VideoCentre.html?Type=custom2&Video=htg18410&prefix=htg&lframe=/video/experts/richardjacksonVideoList.html&rframe=/video/experts/richardjacksonAbout.html&nav=&dd=/video/vc_expertslist.html

meanmarie

I think that they were planting beans on the Big Dig Lynsey...but don't worry Demented, I am sure that the comfrey will only help anything you plant on it

Marie

kate2510

Loosely screwed up sheets of paper are fine if you haven't got access to a shredder. Crushing egg shells - a valuable addition to the compost bin - helps to break them down more quickly. Dog/cat/human hair all will compost and a piece of old carpet over the top of the heap and/or inside the bin will help to increase the heat.

madmum33

I've seen on TV that you can soak comfrey in water and the liquid you get from it is amazing liquid fertilizer.

Lord_Gardener

Any non glossy paper or card is fine - recycle the rest!

kate2510

demented wrote: »

Hi, I have found some comfrey plants that are growing near us, I have heard that you can use the leaves as a fertiliser for potatoes, We have dug our Runner bean trench and was wondering if we could just lay some Comfrey leaves or plants in the trench and then cover it up with the soil. Then plant the runner beans in the usual way. Would this be ok to do this? Hope some one can advise. Thanks demented

You certainly can use comfrey leaves in this way.
If you search comfrey on wikipedia you will discover the many miraculous properties of this plant as well as one or two scary ones. Always wear gloves to handle the leaves/plants as some varieties can cause nasty skin conditions.:eek:

Kay_Peel

Don't forget to empty the contents of your vacuum cleaner into the bin - especially if you've got a layer of grass clippings visible. Get a little stick and mix it around the clippings.

I had some old feather pillows that were well past their best. Someone told me that they could be composted. I split the pad and tipped it into the bin. By the time I'd finished, I looked as though I had been tarred and feathered. In fact, I was still shedding feathers from my hair the following morning. Who would have thought there would be so many of the little blighters?

It was worth it. They composted quickly and really bulked up the green waste. I kept turning them and mixing them, which helped. So, don't throw out feather pillows or cushion pads. Just make sure you wear a hood or a paper bag over your head when you tip them in!

Kay

rubiales

I'm a bit of a compost newbie so just wanted to say that this thread is great! Thanks to everyone, especially OP!! :T

In view of the fact that chinchillas are vegetarians, can I assume it's OK to compost the waste from my chinchilla's cage as well?

Thanks