[Yorkie]

My parsnips have lots of brown marks at the top, could be either root fly or canker? (can't find the camera under the heaps of paperwork around the house so can't post a piccie).

Are the chopped off bits safe to compost, do you think?

Thanks

[PAH48]

Hi ... the brown bits I'd recon were canker as you suggested,
all root vedge I personally chop up with an old knife,
in heat of the compost find they rot down quicker..
never had problems I know too..
Bye PAH

[Yorkie]

Thanks PAH

Didn't want to spread fungi but reluctant to throw away good compost material!  Into the compost bin it will go!!

[wighty]

We moved our two compost bins at the weekend.  Lifted them up and then put back all stuff that needed 'a bit more time'.  Was really surprised at the amount of potatoe peelings that had sprouted and were sending up shoots, even from stuff that was near the bottom. (They got put back in the bins).

[Salmo]

These potatoes are a good example of what may start off blight. Make sure they die.

[PAH48]

Hi.. as I understand it , turning over any form of compost bin/container,
aids the de- composing process , also spread the heat around,
again assisting the composting. Therefore  less chance of blight or
other such nasties.
The smaller the portions of raw materials, the quicker its going to rot,
(my opinion,)  thats why I cop up all unwanted root vedge,
even cabbage stems ( until I get to the real tough bits ),
as with leeks, beans ect, cut up the unwanted leaves/stems
 with scissors or knife.

Bye PAH

[GrannieAnnie]

I thought the brown bits on the top of a parsnip were the bits where the frost had got at them.  Am I wrong then?

[PAH48]

Hi...you are as far as I know quite right Grannie,
they also go this rusty brown colour if slugs, mice, rats
or even birds have a nibble at 'em.
Seen similar rusty marks on them, if they've been
knicked by a fork or rake also.
(must remember to clean me tools properly in future       )

Bye PAH