Compost and Mares tail

[srodders]

I know that putting the roots of mares tail in compost is a big NO, but what about the above ground green bits (fronds). I am surte I read somewhere that as long as no root section is included it makes good compost - does anyone know how true that is?

Thanks.

[Two_Sheds]

Make use of the roots too - drown them in a water butt for a few months. When it stinks, it's ready to be used as a liquid fertiliser!

[PAULW]

Or put it in black plastic bags tie the top and leave it till next year

[Alice]

Hello Srodders, I can't prove a word of this. but mare's tails are the most pernicious weeds ever. In my experience any bit of it will root and grow. I would not put any part of it in my compost heap.
Maybe some grape has proved the top growth will not root. Would be real interested to hear that.

[srodders]

Hmm done a google search and getting confused now - it is actually horsetail I have in my garden not marestail.

Some sites say it is a good accelerator for compost, some say you should not compost it - who do you beleive?

Question is, what shall I do with the compost that has it in? Shall I get rid of it up the green waste tip, or use it ?

[Snadger]

Russian roulette springs to mind!

[madderbat]

Horsetails are primeval - one of the oldest known grasses on earth if you listen to David Attenborough. I always like them with their historic view. As far as composting them goes, I guess the planet has been doing it for millenia.

[Earthbabe]

I believe the terms marestail and horsetail are used interchangeable srodders. I'd agree with Alice and not compost any of it, unless you can guarantee your compost heap gets really hot. However after soaking the plant (root and fronds) the resultant liquid makes a blight treatment so I am told. They contain large amounts of silica and extracts are used in cosmetics and by herbalists

[srodders]

I have heard about putting the roots in black bags, tying them up and leaving for a year as PAULW says. I think I'll do that with the compost that has it in. I know that there are no roots in it, but don't want to risk the fronds being able to spread.

[Stroppy scotte]

I back the non composting!! Burns well though !!
SS