Making new raised bed

Discussion in 'Allotments Discussion' started by Paul Blackburn, Apr 3, 2020.

  1. Paul Blackburn

    Paul Blackburn Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2013
    Messages:
    259
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +52
    As I had some spare space in my allotment I decided to make a new raised bed.I decided to empty one of my compost bins into it.It only took half of the contents.But when I was tidying up around the bin I noticed a rat coming out of the bin.If there has been a rat(S) in the bin is it safe to use that compost or should I dispose of it.
     
  2. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,671
    I wouldn't worry about it, I suspect most compost heaps get Rats as visitors, but worth wearing gloves when working the compost (weeding etc.) for a while until any pathogens (if there are any ...) have died off.

    By the time any crops are harvested the risk will have gone.

    But ... I never put on the compost heap anything that carnivore animals have excrete ... Dog Poo for example. That is likely to carry pathogens that might transfer to crops. No such worry for ornamental beds, but of course not very nice to come across that when weeding ... so worth keeping that sort of stuff "somewhere else".

    And Holly leaves. hate coming across them when weeding. So they, and anything prickly, never go into Compost Bin, and my Holly Hedges are planted nowhere near where I have flower beds :)
     
Loading...

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice