Is it okay to put diseased plants, invasive weeds or weed seeds in my compost pile?
Yes, only if you are using a ‘hot composting’ method, which involves mixing in a good recipe of materials all at 1 time for a volume of at least 4 cubic feet, turning frequently, maintaining correct moisture levels - in order to obtain a pile temperature of 130-150 degrees for 7 consecutive days, which is sufficient to kill weed seeds, plant pathogens and invasive weeds with rhizomatous root systems.

Most backyard composters use a ‘cold composting’ method, which involves adding materials incrementally as they become available. Cold piles are ineffective at reliably killing weed seeds, plant pathogens and weeds with rhizomatous root systems.

Show All Answers

1. Why does my compost smell bad? How do I fix it?
2. Why is my pile taking forever to compost?
3. How do I keep rodents out of my pile?
4. How do I avoid bears in my pile?
5. Bears have already been in my compost, how do I make them go away?
6. Are flies in my compost pile good or bad?
7. Is it okay to put diseased plants, invasive weeds or weed seeds in my compost pile?
8. How can I compost weed seeds, diseased plants and invasive weeds with rhizomatous root systems?
9. Can I make a fertilizer out of weeds?
10. How do I know when the compost is finished?
11. Can I add grass or plants that have been treated with herbicides or pesticides to my pile?
12. What kind of animal manure is good for composting?
13. Why do my eggshells take forever to compost?
14. How do I compost my food scraps during the winter when my pile is frozen solid?