[nannytroll]

I've been tidying the muck heaps today (cold wet weather= no flies!). I build each for about 3/4 months, then start a new one.  The 1 destined for next years spuds is already properly rotted down, dark, crumbly and full of worms. Would it be ok to plant squashes directly onto the heap? Should I cover it with weed suppressing membrane, or leave it open? I've never had wsm before and not sure how best to use it. I have a lot of squashes in 10" pots that will need to be planted out long before their allotted spot is vacant, after the garlic and onions are harvested.

[snow white]

Ive never done it but my friend does every year in the rotted heap with good results.

[LotuSeed]

Pumpkins and an unknown squash variety grew out of my compost heap last season. With all that good stuff in there they did really well. I say go for it, no weed suppressant membrane necessary, though you could put some cardboard if you're concerned about weeds.

[sunshineband]

I have grown a range of squashes in the top of one of my large pallet-bins over the years, and they have been very successful indeed. You just need to remember to water them well.

And as for the weeds, I have not noticed any really. I wouldn't worry too much about covering the muck with a membrane imho

[ARPoet]

I remember one year when i had the lottie i harvested a good few lbs of tatties from the compost heap. The grew from the eyes in the tattie peeling.
If i see some cheap seed tatties in the garden centre i might try setting a few in my manure heap.

[compostqueen]

I do it often. IN the muck heap or into a dalek bin. You do get "slump" though so be aware you might have to keep topping up with more muck or homemade compost etc as the stuff continues to rot down. Also blackbirds love to fling the stuff all over the place in their search for yummy insects and worms so you have to continually tidy up after them. You're ok til they hoik out the darned plant!  A good sized plant to start with is a good plan.  You can even plant the courgette or whatever into a bag of muck if you can't be bothered to empty it out.   

[Christine]

Whatever are compost heaps for at this time of the year if well rotted? Why for planting squashes in of course. It's an extra cropping area!

[barley]

I grow my spaghetti marrows in ours every year - they love it

just keep an eye for slugs though as heaps are heaving with them

a few blue doom pellets round its base will do the trick

[ptarmigan]

It works really well and you get the best compost afterwards.  But it will need watering. I put mine on top of pallet compost bin.

[compostqueen]

I don't worry about weeds as you generally get a good canopy of foliage with squash and courgettes. Any thistles or monsters can be hoiked out if you feel the need. The muck will feed the plant well enough 

[Snoop]

Right, I'm going to do this this weekend. I've got a great load of chicken muck and straw that has been rotting down for a year. I'm going to shove it all onto two beds in a few piles and let them get on with it.

[nannytroll]

Thanks all for replies. have now planted up the heap. It's about 10m x 2m x1.5m, so gained a lot of space by using it.