Can I put rhubarb in my compost bin?

Yes, you can compost rhubarb – and the leaves if you've grown your own. Rhubarb leaves are poisonous if eaten but after a few months in your compost heap, the toxin level will have dropped so low that it won't pose a threat.

Is rhubarb OK to compost?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to compost rhubarb leaves.

Can you put rhubarb stems in compost?

While rhubarb leaves do contain poisonous oxalic acid, they can be placed in the compost pile. Oxalic acid, like other organic acids, are not readily absorbed by plant roots. Compost containing decomposed rhubarb leaves can be safely applied to the vegetable garden.

Can you do anything with rhubarb leaves?

They can be whacked into the compost – they will give your heap a good kick along, and a great nitrogen boost. Use them to suppress weeds! Simply lay the leaves over a problem weed or area, and they will work wonders by smothering them out. Use them as a fun (but inedible) stepping “stone” for kids in the garden.

Can I put poisonous plants in my compost?

The quick answer is YES, you can compost all plants in a compost heap, poisonous or not as the chemical compounds that make up the toxins are effectively broken down during the composting process.

Is it a problem to feed rhubarb to your worm farm or compost bin?

What plants should not be composted?

It is more important to avoid composting plants that are toxic to other plants, such as eucalyptus, laurel, walnut and juniper.

Are rhubarb leaves acidic?

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which is corrosive and a kidney toxin, but this has no significant effect on soil micro-organisms. The leaves will decompose perfectly well as the amount of oxalic acid is low and the molecule doesn't survive well outside of the plant cells.

Can I put potato stalks in the compost?

In summary, the answer to “can you add potato tops to compost,” is yes. It's probably wisest to only compost haulms that are disease-free and, unless you want errant spuds in the pile, remove all those little tubers if it bothers you.

When should I stop harvesting rhubarb?

Although the stems remain edible and tasty through summer, it's best to stop harvesting by June, or at least only take a few stalks after then, so you don't over-harvest and weaken the plant. To harvest, hold the stalk at the base and ease it out of the ground – try to avoid snapping it off.

Should rhubarb be covered in the winter?

Protecting rhubarb in winter with a layer of mulch preserves the crown from excessive cold, while allowing the necessary chill to force new spring growth.

What animal eats rhubarb leaves?

Slugs, snails, leaf beetles, beetles, and deer are the culprits you should look out for. These pests are the most commonly known for eating rhubarb leaves.