Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:50 pm
The chore of weeding is not always appreciated by gardeners who do it. Nevertheless, there is no choice! It is necessary to do what it takes to find impeccable patio tiles or to preserve the surrounding plants that these plants suffocate by depriving them of nutrients. Weeds also tend to be very invasive in the various plantings in the garden or vegetable garden.
Therefore, regular weeding is necessary to get rid of them. Once this task is accomplished, however, it is not always clear what to do with the removed weeds. Should they be burned? Where can they be thrown away? The temptation is to put the weeds in the compost with the other green and brown waste. But is this really a good idea? Find out the answer, and what you can do with it.
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Can we put weeds in the compost?
Fellow gardeners, the answer is generally no, for several reasons. First, your compost is full of good nutrients. So, they are likely to germinate and thrive in it. And unfortunately, there is a good chance that you will end up planting them when you spread your natural fertilizer in the garden. This is all it will take for bindweed to quickly invade your entire plot and replace your beautiful flowerbeds! Remember that a weed is often a fast growing plant. Also, the smallest seed that is left behind can quickly develop, flourish and invade everything. It is therefore better to avoid adding these plants to the compost if you don’t want to ruin it!
The only exception to this rule is the choice of weeds added to the compost!
If you add weeds that have not gone to seed (i.e. without flowers) and without roots, you limit the risks of germination. Also remember (and this is true for all green waste) to never add diseased weeds that could contaminate the compost and then the whole garden. If you select them carefully, they will bring good nutrients, especially minerals, to your compost bin.
So, where to throw away the pulled weeds?
By law, it is forbidden to burn green waste, which is considered household waste. This causes pollution, bad odors and fire hazards. However, you can go to a waste disposal center to get rid of it. However, check the conditions and regulations of the nearest structure beforehand. Normally, you can dispose of them as they are.
If you can’t compost them, you can still use the weeds!
It would be a shame not to use them! Indeed, we tend to judge them rather harshly when they “bother” us. Nevertheless, they are plants that can be very useful and have many benefits.
It is possible to recycle weeds pulled out of the ground into a slurry, green manure or even sometimes into mulch to protect your plants. Some of them also have medicinal properties, starting with nettle. Finally, if you have not yet read our article on edible weeds, you should know that they have many uses in cooking. Dandelions, nettles, mugwort… All are delicious! Don’t forget to use your dandelions to make dandelion honey