Not for the compost pile

[Rhondi]

I know at one time it was not considered good to use black walnut hulls in compost because it was thought to stunt plant growth - although that has been found out to NOT be the case http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center...lack-Walnut-Hulls-Turning-Trash-into-Treasure
But, are there OTHER types of plants that are best not to be used in a compost pile?

 

[Chuck]

I know at one time it was not considered good to use black walnut hulls in compost because it was thought to stunt plant growth - although that has been found out to NOT be the case http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center...lack-Walnut-Hulls-Turning-Trash-into-Treasure
But, are there OTHER types of plants that are best not to be used in a compost pile?

I do not put tomato plants in my compost pile because I don't want to spread Early Blight or introduce spider mites. Same thing with squash plants that have powdery mildew. Or rose bush trimmings, I hate to have a thorn stuck in my finger

 

[Pat]

I understand not putting rose bush trimmings in the compost. You must be very careful not to get a cut from a throne infected, it can be painful.

 

[Livvy]

Hmmm...like Chuck said, you need to be careful of plants and vegetables that go powdery when they decompose, rather than rotting as such. Orange rind and other citrus fruits I believe would be a no go in this regard.

 

[firelily99]

I am the same with my tomatoes and squash, they don't go in the pile or anywhere near it. Also the same with the roses, I have been nailed more than once by a wayward thorn.

 

[claudine]

Hmmm...like Chuck said, you need to be careful of plants and vegetables that go powdery when they decompose, rather than rotting as such. Orange rind and other citrus fruits I believe would be a no go in this regard.

Actually, it's okay to add citrus peels to compost. Some time ago, I was wondering about it too, so I asked a question in a different thread here and I was told that I can compost citruses

 

[Chuck]

Actually, it's okay to add citrus peels to compost. Some time ago, I was wondering about it too, so I asked a question in a different thread here and I was told that I can compost citruses

Citrus is fine for compost. Citrus has a compound in it called delimonine which is a cleaner, degreaser and it also acts against harmful bacteria. Citrus peels dry out and decompose fairly quickly

 

[Martin]

I've had potatoes that I deemed inedible sprout in my compost bin, so they are a no-no. Also I don't compost weeds of any variety. I have a problem with Oxalis, which, although I have reduced dramatically over the last year, has now appeared in other parts of my garden. I reckon in my ignorance I must have composted some of them last year. So as a general rule, anything I consider a weed is not composted.

 

[Chuck]

I've had potatoes that I deemed inedible sprout in my compost bin, so they are a no-no. Also I don't compost weeds of any variety. I have a problem with Oxalis, which, although I have reduced dramatically over the last year, has now appeared in other parts of my garden. I reckon in my ignorance I must have composted some of them last year. So as a general rule, anything I consider a weed is not composted.

Oxalis is impossible to get rid of without very frequent mowing or fertilizing. It doesn't like fertile soil very much. I don't really mind weeds in my compost because as soon as things sprouts I turn it over, thereby killing the sprouts and adding oxygen to the pile. As far as the potatoes go let them grow some and then turn them under. A little green always helps in a compost pile

 

[Livvy]

Actually, it's okay to add citrus peels to compost. Some time ago, I was wondering about it too, so I asked a question in a different thread here and I was told that I can compost citruses

Whelp, guess I've still got a lot to learn then eh?

 

[Raff_Out_Loud]

I'm new to composting and have just a 5 gallon bucket on my apartment deck.

I didn't realize squash and tomato are no-go for compost. There is a marginal amount of squash leaves in there. Is it toast or should I just leave it alone for a while and just let it run its course?

 

[Chuck]

I'm new to composting and have just a 5 gallon bucket on my apartment deck.

I didn't realize squash and tomato are no-go for compost. There is a marginal amount of squash leaves in there. Is it toast or should I just leave it alone for a while and just let it run its course?

It will be fine. I don't add tomato or squash plants on the assumption that they might be infected not that they are

 

[Raff_Out_Loud]

It will be fine. I don't add tomato or squash plants on the assumption that they might be infected not that they are

Excellent. That's what I figured, just taking the cautious route.

Thank you!

 

[zigs]

I've found Coconuts don't rot down very easily And no, it wasn't me that put it in the heap

 

[Livvy]

I've found Coconuts don't rot down very easily And no, it wasn't me that put it in the heap

Are you sure about that?

Still, makes sense I suppose...what does a rotting coconut even look like?