Using Home Made Compost

[andyp]

I used my first batch of home made compost recently. I dug it out the composter, sieved it and used it in pots. The problem was soon after the seeds that I planted germinated I also seemed to get grass growing. I assume this was because my compost contained some grass cuttings originally.

Is there anyway of further killing these seeds off (sterilizing) without destroying the goodness in the compost.

Rgds Andy

[ricwiley]

Hi

You need high temps to kill off weed seeds. I use a hot composting system where the temp can reach 170F or about 76C. Even this does not kill all seeds as the sides will n ot be as hot as the middle.

I have a free downloadable document on building a hot compost bin on my website at High Density Gardening-Hotbox Compost Bin

After it has been through the hotbox system, I mature it for a few months in a normal plastic bin which has plenty or worms in it. I will be starting to sieve my cold compost bin soon (from the bottom as I have added fresh compost to the top). I will save as many worms and eggs as possible and bury these in the top of the bin to continue the composting cycle.

I built my first bins after visiting CAT in Wales 12 years ago. Two bins cost £6 made out of recycled plywood and other timber I had lying around. These instructuions show using brand new plywood which I had cut to size before I started. The ones from recycled plywood lasted 11 years, not bad for £3 each. Apart from the nails and roof felt for the lid they were totally recycled.

Have fun and enjoy composting. I use it as much as possible as a food source for my veg plot.

Cheers

Ric Wiley

[Capsid]

You could try microwaving your sieved compost to sterilise it.

Start Seed and Transplants in Sterilized Soil