Once the weeds have been pulled, the hobby gardener often looks at an impressive mountain of plants. But what to do with the green? Can weeds simply be added to the compost heap even if seeds have already formed? Or do they have to be disposed of in another way? We will clarify these questions in the following article.
How to properly dispose of weeds?
Weeds can be disposed of in the compost if they have been dried and chopped first. Weeds containing seeds should be placed in the organic waste bin. Large quantities can be dropped off at green collection points. Disposal in nature is prohibited.
Can weeds go in the compost?
The rumor is heard again and again that weeds should not be composted. This is not true, because in a properly created compost weeds rot just as easily as any other garden greenery. On the contrary: many weed plants contain very valuable ingredients that actually have a positive effect on the quality of the compost soil.
However, it is recommended:
- Let the plant material dry in the sun for a few days before composting. This means the plants can no longer regenerate.
- To chop up the roots so that no new plants can grow from them.
Which weeds belong in the organic waste bin?
If you don't have the opportunity to set up a composter, you can easily put small amounts of weed greens into the organic waste bin.
Weed plants with lots of seeds should also be included in the bin, as these could remain in the compost and would sprout as soon as you apply the fertilizer.
Dispose of large amounts of weeds
Once you have cleared a corner of your garden of nettles or morning glories, you will end up with a lot of green waste. As a rule, you can hand it in at the local green collection point or recycling center.
Disposing of weeds in nature is prohibited
When you walk, you repeatedly see large amounts of plant material that obviously comes from gardens and was simply left in nature. Some gardeners believe this is okay because the weeds that are pulled are of natural origin. However, that is not the case. Anyone caught disposing of green waste in this way will face severe fines. The reason: The rotting weeds can lead to one-sided over-fertilization of the soil.
Tip
Tall weeds that have not yet set seeds are very valuable mulching material. If these plants lie on the ground, weed seeds have little chance of germinating.
