rhubarb leaves

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granddad wanganui, New Zealand Dec 21, 2010

Is it safe to put rhubarb leaves in my compost?

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Dec 21, 2010

Yes, they break down just like any other plants (poisonous or not) and cause no harm.

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granddad wanganui, New Zealand Dec 21, 2010

Thanks altagardener, my main concern was for the worms and other living bugs etc. already in the compost. Nothing appears to eat the leaves while they are on the plant.

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Dec 22, 2010

Compounds that are toxic to humans are not always even toxic to other mammals, let alone to the worms, fungi and bacteria that break down your compost. Don't worry about it.

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Malus2006 Coon Rapids, MN(Zone 4a) Jan 06, 2011

altagardener - some organic matter actually take longer to compost - tannin in oak leaves for one thing - not many critters like to eat it so it take longer for oak leaves to decompose. The opposite can be true - orange peels are edible but compost critters really hates it due to its high cellulose levels and acidity. Rhubarbs will be gone in a flash - they rapidly lose most of their volume and their browned leaves will break up rapidly in small pieces. Only the flower stalk will be slower to decompose due to higher cellulose levels.

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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Jan 06, 2011

Right, orange peels take a long time. Rhubarb leaves and stems are no problem. People who have no experience with composting may find that useful to know.

This message was edited Jan 6, 2011 10:50 PM

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