drowning weeds

[lez]

having done a lot of weeding after holiday I had a thought that I read somewhere that perenial weeds should be put in a bucket of water and drown them before composting. I had a think and all these weeds have nutrients from the soil I could use. if I was to put them all in a big bucket full of water and drown them could I use the water to feed my plants. I do not see why not as all those nutrients would be in the water. has anyone tried this and what results have you had? I would be interested in the results as even the seeds would drown over a couple of months.

[Sue]

Lez
I keep one waterbutt to put all the couch grass and bindweed roots in, did get a bit smelly and bubbly but I've used the water to feed the plants, can't say they're are now going to take over the world of giant veg but all seem to be doing well.
They also get the liquid run-off from the wormery and the water from the waterbutt with the goldfish in.

Am also trying to burn the other weeds to death. I've spread out two tarpaulins and have been putting all the weeds on that to crisp up in the sun so they can go in the compost heap. If you do this keep a bucket nearby for any marestail, couch and bindweed roots if you're not drowning them. Easy then to keep it all separate.

Sue

[Two_Sheds]

I hate wasting anything, so yes, I use my bindweed and couchgrass as liquid feed ... fill up a water butt with them, top with water (for heaven's sake, put a lid on, it reeks).

What I do next is a bit naughty.

Because the water butt is too heavy to move, and the liquid too stinky to get out by hand, I tip the whole thing over into my compost heap or a bed, and then go home ...

[lez]

thank for your advice. I have made a brew using rhubarb and comfrey leaves and thought that all the good bits used by weeds are gone so why not drown them in the same brew and use those goodies aswell. I must admit it does pen and ink a little bit but if it does some good then hey ho. that bloke in wales used a similar mix to deter butterflies so maybe I will get two lots of benifit from the brew. good luck all.

[Lovage]

I like the idea of using everything even the perennial weeds

However don't try drowning creeping buttercup - it thrives on water and will even invade a pond

As for drying - isn't there a story about Geoff Hamilton nailing a dandelion root to his shed door, after two years he planted it and it grew again!