Mare's tail ok on the compost heap?

She'sinthegarden · « **on:** June 14, 2008, 21:58 »

Hi
Got my new lottie today (Yay!!). I hired a strimmer to cut down the weeds and grass. I'm planning to cover the whole lot in plastic/membrane to keep the weeds down while I make raised beds one at a time. Once the cover is down, I plan to spread all the strimmed weeds over it to die in the sun. Then I'll compost them. There was a lot of Mare's tail (deep joy) and I was wondering whether a good baking would mean the topgrowth would be ok on the compost heap or will I be making problems for myself later. any ideas?
Thanks

WirralWally · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2008, 22:05 »

I play safe and never knowingly compost mares tail, even in a hot compost bin.
I've cleared an area that was plagued with the stuff.
I burnt the lot.

I freak out whenever I see a sign of it.
It's a nightmare.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2008, 22:26 »

No, no no no no no. I'm very careful not to put mares tail or bindweed on my compost heap. Your heap has to get really really really hot to kill it :evil:

agapanthus · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2008, 23:15 »

nuke it with round up every time a piece poips through .. dont try and compost it ever

peterjf · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2008, 23:27 »

only one thing to do with mares tail , BURN THE blooming STUFF ,

Welsh Girls Allotment · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2008, 23:54 »

:shock: Don't do it - don't do it :shock:

iwantanallotment · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2008, 01:37 »

wow, didn't even know I had this until I Googled for images - just been pulling it up whenever it appears as a 'small unknown weed'.
Yet it looks so innocuous, doesn't it??
Shall burn it in future. Thanks for asking this Q s.i.t.g, and good luck with getting rid of yours

She'sinthegarden · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2008, 08:56 »

Thanks for the replies. I'll definitely get rid of it then. I'll dry it out on top of the weed suppressing membrane, then when it's good and crispy, I'll burn it. DH will be pleased-he loves a fire! :twisted:

peapod · « **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2008, 12:33 »

my plots got it too

Burn the revolting stuff, and enjoy the lovely sight while you do it

:-)

Pompey Spud · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2008, 14:54 »

Welcome from me & everyone in Portsmouth, SITG!

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