The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Gardens => Topic started by: Possum on October 02, 2012, 02:21:08 pm

Title: Can you compost thistles?
Post by: Possum on October 02, 2012, 02:21:08 pm

I have just cut down a large number of thistles along my boundary fence. They are fairly green and juicy, with no seed heads. Can I add the to the compost heap or do I have to burn them?

Title: Re: Can you compost thistles?
Post by: Fleecewife on October 02, 2012, 05:22:34 pm

Thistles are bursting with good things for your compost but unfortunately their spikes are not so welcome.  The main plants rot down quite quickly, as long as they don't have flower heads - if they do they will continue to ripen long after the plant appears well dead, then suddenly a whole load of seeds starts floating around the place.
You could try composting them in their own heap ie not on your compost heap, covered with something dark such as a tarp, and leave them for two years until the spikes have gone too.  The nutritious bits are too good to waste.

Title: Re: Can you compost thistles?
Post by: colliewoman on October 12, 2012, 12:16:18 am

I process mine through a goat before composting ;D :goat:

Title: Re: Can you compost thistles?
Post by: Fleecewife on October 12, 2012, 12:23:38 am

Quote from: colliewoman on October 12, 2012, 12:16:18 am

I process mine through a goat before composting ;D :goat:

 ;D ;D :thumbsup: :goat:

Title: Re: Can you compost thistles?
Post by: Possum on October 15, 2012, 06:44:21 pm

Well, I've got horned sheep, but they are definitely not interested. :-J