Wood chippings-compost

[Snadger]

The council have tipped a heap of wood chippings at the end of our site which some allotment holders are using to make paths

I am adding the odd barrowload to my compost heap well mixed with cabbage leafs etc

I hope it will rot down ok and lighten the heap a bit

Just wondered if anyone had tried it

[JennieAtkinson]

I get alot of wood shavings Snadger (OH a wood turner), but I'm a bit careful how much I put in with the compost, although OH's wood is untreated. I put in just a small layer now and again. Someone told me it wasn't good to put in too much.

Interesting to hear what others think?

[pigletwillie]

It will suck out the nitrogen as it decomposes so is best to compost on its own and then dig in as a soil conditioner or as I do use it for paths, Its great harvesting in the winter and not getting muddy feet.

[sewer rat]

Use it for paths, or they make a good mulch for ericaceous fruit bushes such as currants and blueberries.

[nick the grief]

What you can doo is put it in old compost bags add 12ozs of sulphate of ammonia in 1 gallon of water & water the bag then seal up & leave it for as long as possible. Check it from time to time to make sure it's OK but be careful of putting your hand in as it generates a lot of heat & you could end up getting burned - I know someone who did !!

This also works for prunings if you have a shredder (I do all mine) & straw. Then spread on the surface as a mulch & it will get taken in over the winter.

I'll take a foto of some of mine that I've just put on a bed when I get home tonight.

[soobeth]

You can use it as a annual mulch:
1.Apply shavings
2.Leave for a year
3. when the year is over dig in and whilst winter is doing its worst and you get lovly grond
For bes results don't top up an d in dormant season on bare paches apply liquid composter
Make sure that the composter is NOT harmful to the living plants that exist

[nick the grief]

Composted Chippings....

Well Shreddings anyway.

As promised this is what it looks like after 12 months. & this is the bed that I made up two weeks ago

[headburro]

Not that this helps Snadger, but wood shavings are said to be very good in a wormery. Not sure about compost, but I put a handful in now and then to help soak up excess liquid (not sure it's helped, but I don't think it's harmed either).

[Snadger]

Thanks all, looks like I'm going to have a busy weekend barrowing wood chippings. I new it was good for more than just paths!

[Snadger]

Got some beetroot to store....would it be any good for that or should I stick with sand?

[nick the grief]

Better with Sand Snadger as it's not liabel to pests & disease. You can always steralise it ready for next year by putting it in a big can & sticking on the embers of a bonfire for an hour or so & the steam will do the job for you.