Compost Safety?

[GreenGoddess]

Hey Everyone!

I have finally finished my raised planters and filled them with a planter's mix I ordered. The mix is supposed to be top soil, decomposed wood, and dairy compost.

Is there a concern with using compost that has not fully decomposed? I ask because I have found various things in the planter's mix (even some pieces of glass). The thing that concerns me most is that it still smells a little like manure and I have also found quite a bit of little white chalky things that look like partially decomposed bird manure.

Do you all think this is safe to use? Is there any concern with bacteria or anything?

TIA.

 

[TillinWithMyPeeps]

My biggest concern would be weed (not pot) seeds.

If the compost didn't get hot enough (I think 160*F) the weed (not pot) seeds could still be viable.

 

[GreenGoddess]

Hi Andy-

Yeah, that is something I forgot to mention. It is sprouting seeds. I had it under plastic tarps for about a week and when I uncovered it, there were seeds sprouted in it. Some of them were sprouted surprisingly deep down into the pile too.

 

[big brown horse]

My biggest concern would be weed (not pot) seeds.

If the compost didn't get hot enough (I think 160*F) the weed (not pot) seeds could still be viable.

 

[GreenGoddess]

LOL, I missed that the first time I read the post. LOL..

So, I don't have to be worried about potential bacteria or anything infecting my veggies and making us sick from the compost?

 

[TillinWithMyPeeps]

If I were you, I would compost it a little more just to make it safe. Especially with the weed (not pot) seeds already sprouting up in it.

If it didn't kill the seeds, it definitely wouldn't kill any pathogens. Plus, you don't want a bunch of weeds in your garden anyway.

 

[GreenGoddess]

The really frustrating thing is that we already put it in our raised planters! Doh!

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Cover your planters with clear plastic -- provided there are no plants in them -- let any weed seeds cook & die under the plastic. That should fix that problem.

:rose Hattie :rose

 

[GreenGoddess]

Thanks, Hattie. How long do they need to be covered though? I had thought about maybe trying some of that black plastic sheeting and using it around the plants so that maybe it heats up the soil, but I can hopefully still plant.

 

[Hattie the Hen]

I am afraid it will depend on where you are & how hot the sun is, plus what kind of weed seeds are in the soil.

It seems to me that you have been sold something inferior. Where did you get it from?

I would be raging at the suppliers, as it obviously hasn't been heated to the right temperature to kill off the weeds. Are you brave enough to confront them & get your money back........??? But then I am a very tough old lady.........!!!!


:rose Hattie :rose