Should I compost goldenrods that have not yet developed seeds? - Ask Extension
I have goldenrod that 18" high AND I have just started a Bin of compostable materials (Hardwood pellets that got wet and reverted to sawdust is t...
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Should I compost goldenrods that have not yet developed seeds? #867467
Asked May 07, 2024, 4:34 PM EDT
I have goldenrod that 18" high AND I have just started a Bin of compostable materials (Hardwood pellets that got wet and reverted to sawdust is the main ingredient at this point, though I have been including grass clippings and non-animal food bits). Will the goldenrods sprout rhizomes within the compost, or will they simply be a good Green to counter all the browns from the sawdust? Between myself and the rain, I'm keeping the pile moist. I've also started a 5 gallon bucket of weed tea decomposing 2-3 weeks ago. It Stanks! Should I dump it in the compost too? Urine is a component of this pile as well. 5 gallons per week, roughly. Any input?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello,
I think composting non-blooming goldenrod should be fine. You might want to cut or chop up the stems and roots to ensure they don’t sprout in your pile, but a good composting system should get hot enough to deter sprouting.
Keep in mind that many plants already in flower will continue to produce seeds even after uprooted or cut and home composting systems are often not hot enough to destroy weed seeds.
This article from Ohio State extension has detailed information on home composting.
The Rodale Institute has this article about making and using compost tea. Based on their instructions for non-aerated compost tea, you should allow it to ferment for 7-10 days, stirring vigorously every day. Based on that timing, I think your compost tea should be well-fermented. You could add your compost tea to your compost pile or use it (after filtering through a screen) as instructed in their article; “Liquid teas can be applied as soil drenches, foliar sprays or incorporated into irrigation systems.”
I encourage you to read both of the above linked articles to get more complete information on composting and making and using compost tea.
I think composting non-blooming goldenrod should be fine. You might want to cut or chop up the stems and roots to ensure they don’t sprout in your pile, but a good composting system should get hot enough to deter sprouting.
Keep in mind that many plants already in flower will continue to produce seeds even after uprooted or cut and home composting systems are often not hot enough to destroy weed seeds.
This article from Ohio State extension has detailed information on home composting.
The Rodale Institute has this article about making and using compost tea. Based on their instructions for non-aerated compost tea, you should allow it to ferment for 7-10 days, stirring vigorously every day. Based on that timing, I think your compost tea should be well-fermented. You could add your compost tea to your compost pile or use it (after filtering through a screen) as instructed in their article; “Liquid teas can be applied as soil drenches, foliar sprays or incorporated into irrigation systems.”
I encourage you to read both of the above linked articles to get more complete information on composting and making and using compost tea.
