[Mogman]

One of the great thing about living in Skandi-land is that there's always a plethora of seafood...just now we're getting kilos of king prawn from someone we know who fishes in the very north of Norway. While we were enjoying some of these for tea, I wondered about whether the compost heap could benefit from the shells. After consulting Mr. Google, about the only thing I learned was that they are a good source of phosphorous.

My better half (She's from the Færoe Islands) tells me that her granddad used to put them under his rhubarb (Along with fish bones) when splitting and replanting. Does anyone have any wise words on the subject? 

[Kevin67]

I use fish guts etc in a tea to boost fungi levels and apply the detritus on plants quite weakly - not for the plants but for the worms to prevent protein death.

[Springlands]

My neighbours used to use prawn shells to help fertilize their potato crop. They swore that it kept scab at bay. They were the nicest potatoes I have ever tasted.

[Mogman]

I use fish guts etc in a tea to boost fungi levels and apply the detritus on plants quite weakly - not for the plants but for the worms to prevent protein death.

Could you explain "protein death" please, Kevin?

[JayG]

THIS article suggests that they are a good compost ingredient if you take precautions to prevent attracting vermin to your compost heap.

(Have moved this thread to the 'Grow your Own' board.)

[Kevin67]

If worms eat or live in too much protein they die.

[Bing]

I heard they're good for grape vine, so I bury them close to plant.

[Mogman]

Thanks folks...a good thing then! Great!