Good weed... Bad weed...

[68lbs]

I've tried searching, but is there a guide anywhere to what weeds are ok to go on the compost and which ones are bad?

I have a lot of what I think is dandelion and it had huge long roots that seem to go on forever. Is this one of those weeds that grows from the tiniest bit of root? And should I be putting them on the compost?

Thanks in advance

[Scarlet]

My rule of thumb is perennials with roots that grow from nothing get drowned in a bucket of water. Ground Elder, dandelions, creeping buttercup I wouldn't put in the compost bin. I think you can compost them but they would need a very hot bin for quite some time.
Any annuals can get composted, try to get them before they flower!

[68lbs]

perennials with roots that grow from nothing get drowned in a bucket of water

What? Like hold them under for five minutes and they're dead?

[Scarlet]

What? Like hold them under for five minutes and they're dead?

Ha! That's tickled me pink! No leave them to stew...

[Penellype]

As a general rule anything with fine fibrous roots is likely to be an annual which can be composted. Anything with thick, fleshy roots, whether they go horizontally or vertically, or creeping stems is likely to be a perennial and potentially a problem. There are some that grow from little bulbs - celandines and oxalis are two, and these shouldn't be composted either.

[alldigging]

Black bag with dandelions in. Until dead. keep it shut. Or drown them.
I hate throwing weeds away.

Should really plant them up, the bees love them And dandelion wine is just the best.

[Scarlet]

...and young dandy leaves are lovely in a salad!

[veggiechicken]

Basically, anything that grows between the roots (if perennial) and the seed head goes in the compost bin - that's my rule anyway

[Shadylane]

I leave most weeds on the surface of the soil as it's easier than putting them in the compost bin. Dandelions, nettles, buttercup, thistles etc go in a bin of water with a lid. I leave them a good few months before putting the sludge in the compost bin. It stinks. Don't get it on you.

[68lbs]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Dandelions, nettles, buttercup, thistles etc go in a bin of water with a lid. I leave them a good few months before putting the sludge in the compost bin.

Aha, great explanation, I shall set up a torture chamber in a corner that I don't frequent too often. Mwahaha...

Are daisies one for drowning too?

[solway cropper]

Dandelion root can be roasted and ground up to use as a coffee substitute. I tried it once and it's bl**dy revolting so now I just soak them

[Two_Sheds]

what weeds are ok to go on the compost ...Is this one of those weeds that grows from the tiniest bit of root?

The ones that grow from root cuttings, eg bindweed, couch grass are the ones that need to be dead before they go on the compost heap.

The quickest way to kill them is to leave them out in the sun for a few days, until they're crispy. On a pavement or path, or on top of a cloche/net.

Dandelions will survive most tortures: Bob Flowerdew once nailed one to his shed door, then replanted it and it grew back. They survive drowning too, but not scorching on a hot path.