Q.Sweet Gum Balls in the Garden/Compost
I got some bags of leaves from a neighbor and then realized that they had alot of spiney sweet gum balls in with the leaves. . . will they decompose in the garden and/or should I put them in a long term compost bin. . . how long will they take to bread down. . . . I don’t want them in my garden if they won’t break down.
Heather
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on March 5, 2011
They will only break down if you have a "hot" compost pile. If your compost pile stays cool, the seeds will not break down and you should not place them in the pile. A hot compost pile is one that is turned and watered regularly and gets to an internal temperature of more that gets above 100F.
Was this answer useful?
00