Can I compost?

Jackypam · « **on:** July 23, 2013, 19:54 »

I planted my potatoes in bags of commercial compost. They all died of blackleg. I've thrown away the dead plants. Can I put the compost on the ground or on the heap or must I throw that away too?

DD. · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2013, 19:57 »

Unlike blight, blackleg can survive in the soil alone, but as it only affects spuds, you could use it where you won't be planting them next year.

Jackypam · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2013, 22:30 »

Thanks DD. So it won't last more than a year in the soil then?

DD. · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2013, 22:41 »

From the RHS

Quote from: RHS

Rotation is important, since the bacteria may survive over winter in ground where potatoes were previously grown, albeit at a low level. Rotation also reduces the risk of infection arising from infected volunteer potatoes

If it survives longer than that, there's not a lot of hope for those who grow direct. There's enough to cope with already.

Jackypam · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2013, 22:50 »

That's good news DD. It's bad enough to lose the potatoes (again) without having to chuck away the compost they were grown in. I'll put it where the potatoes were last year, then it can fight with what's left of the blight for a couple of years before its the potatoes turn in that bed again

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Can I compost?

Jackypam

Can I compost?

DD.

Re: Can I compost?

Jackypam

Re: Can I compost?

DD.

Re: Can I compost?

Jackypam

Re: Can I compost?

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