Composting Weeds

[Pete Budd]

I have tried to produce potting compost but never found it viable. It really needs sterilizing by heat treatment. So unfortunately I spend quite a lot on potting compost. Like Charles I use wooden bins for my compost with very little in the way of ventilation and rely on a long cycle and turning once. Its mainly green manure with veg waste and includes all weeds including; wick grass roots, mares tail, docks, nettles, dandelions, seed heads etc. A bin is filled up in year 1, turned at the beginning of year 2 and spread at the beginning of year 3. Any resulting weed germination is dealt with by regular shimming.