Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: blackberryjam on January 18, 2014, 18:36

Title: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: blackberryjam on January 18, 2014, 18:36

 I know that they are poisonous if eaten,so wondered if they would be safe to use on compost that's  used on vegetables .
Seems a daft question to ask I know , but some people say it's okay, and I would rather be safe then sorry.

Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: Yorkie on January 18, 2014, 19:04

Yes, they're fine  :)

Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: blackberryjam on January 18, 2014, 19:28

Thanks Yorkie,
I wasn't sure because the plot owner next to me  just throws them on the ground and he has two large compost bins. I know people use them has a weed suppressant but that's all he seems to grow other then rhubarb  :lol:

Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: Squibbs on January 18, 2014, 21:37

The toxicity of rhubarb leaves is much over hyped - you'll need to get through a good 5kg to eat a pretty convincing lethal dose. Of course less will still make you rather sick.

Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: mumofstig on January 18, 2014, 21:49

but won't harm the compost at all  ;)

Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: bravemurphy on January 18, 2014, 22:32

A couple of chooks up the lotty ate some the other year and were dead by the morning.

I put them in the compost and haven't had any bother.

I have also read somewhere when mashed and soaked in water and put in a sprayer it is good to kill the caterpillars, haven't tried it myself tho.

Title: Re: Rhubarb leaves
Post by: Mr Dog on January 18, 2014, 22:39

Quote from: bravemurphy on January 18, 2014, 22:32

.....when mashed and soaked in water and put in a sprayer it is good to kill the caterpillars,....

Unfortunately, as well as technically not being allowed, it'll likely kill off all insect life on and around the plants you spray.