Compost

[keyagorata]

A friend mentioned tonight that she had been advised years ago not to put potato peelings on her compost heap. I've been doing this for years is there any evidence base for not doing this?

[Androcles]

We've always put our potato peelings in our compost and so did my Dad. They rot down just like everything else and we've never had a problem with it.

[Hawkwalk]

There is a small risk of potato blight from fungus as they rot down due to the fact that they can sprout when in the heap. This may be transfered when you come to use the compost. If you burry them deep enough and turn the heap regularly then there should not be no problem.

[keyagorata]

Thank you both for confirming compost info. I agree anything obviously diseased must be disposed of elsewhere other than a compost.

[shylock73]

One reason is that peelings can grow into plants which will suck a goog deal of goodness from the compost whilst growng to produce more potatoes.