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- Q.Can I Use Dead Leaves From Trees That Have Had Fungal Or Bacterial Problems In My Compost Piles? - The general consensus is that you should NEVER put diseased plant material in a compost pile, but we are deluged ...
- Q.How Long Does Adding Compost To Your Yard Last. - The lawn service I use took a soil sample and they recommend putting out compost for $550.00 and Sulfur for ...
- Q.Please Provide A Drawing - Hi, Please have the writer supply a drawing for the compost bin system she described in her article Compost Greenhouse ...
- Q.Garden Use For Scobies? - I have a garden and I make my own Kombucha. I have extra scobies. Would Kombucha scobies be good in ...
- Q.Will Adding Composting Worms Help? - In this article "How Do I Dispose Of Sod: Tips On What To Do With Removed Sod" Create a Composting ...
- Q.Can Decomposing Organic Matter That Washes Up Be Buried On The Beach? - After a busy day on the lake, so much leave and natural debris wash up on our small beach. We ...
Asked by
Carol Young on
October 21, 2023
zip code 22406, gardening zone 7AQ.Can I Use Dead Leaves From Trees That Have Had Fungal Or Bacterial Problems In My Compost Piles?
The general consensus is that you should NEVER put diseased plant material in a compost pile, but we are deluged with fallen leaves every year. Is there any way to kill the fungus or bacteria to make it safe to use them in a compost pile?
Answered by
BushDoctor on
October 23, 2023
Certified ExpertA.This topic is highly debated. As long as certain conditions are met, you can compost diseased leaves. Often, it is advised to avoid composting diseased leaves, since satisfying all of the requirements during composting is going to be considered somewhat difficult.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/compost-diseased-plant-leaves.htm
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- Asked by
lmblee on
February 16, 2024Q.How Long Does Adding Compost To Your Yard Last.
The lawn service I use took a soil sample and they recommend putting out compost for $550.00 and Sulfur for $71.00. Just wondering how much good it will do since I live in an old neighborhood and most of the neighbors do well to keep the grass cut. I am 75 years old and putting it out myself would be a challenge but if I decided to try what type of compost is best? I have a Charleston lawn and live on James Island so very sandy soil. Thanks for your advice. Sincerely, Linda Lee
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
February 19, 2024
Certified ExpertA.This can last around a year, usually. If you are ok with a lawn that isn't perfect, then you can get away with doing so every two or three years. It would not harm the lawn, but wouldn't give it as full of a look.
You can always test the nutrient levels and pH yourself, or professionally.
This search page contains a collection of articles that will help you to do so:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/search?searchTerm=testing+soil
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Jennyclagett on
February 28, 2024Q.Please Provide A Drawing
Hi, Please have the writer supply a drawing for the compost bin system she described in her article Compost Greenhouse Heat Source – Heating A Greenhouse With Compost
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
February 28, 2024
Certified ExpertA.I am sorry, but I cannot provide any images, here, and I do not have access to any of them. This collection of articles may offer more information that may help, however:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/search?searchTerm=%22compost%22
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
May 25, 2024Q.Garden Use For Scobies?
I have a garden and I make my own Kombucha. I have extra scobies. Would Kombucha scobies be good in compost? Is there a way to use them in the garden?
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
May 25, 2024
Certified ExpertA.Yes, you can compost them or add them directly to the garden, either as is or ground up. Place it near the base of plants and cover with soil so as not to attract pests.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
May 26, 2025Q.Will Adding Composting Worms Help?
In this article "How Do I Dispose Of Sod: Tips On What To Do With Removed Sod" Create a Composting Sod Pile Will adding composting worms help? I have very heavy clay soil. I did add some gypsum pellets and blood meal
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
May 26, 2025
Certified ExpertA.It's not necessary to add worms. It will decompose as is. If you put the plastic over the pile as suggested, the heat will kill the worms.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/what-to-do-with-removed-sod.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
June 17, 2025Q.Can Decomposing Organic Matter That Washes Up Be Buried On The Beach?
After a busy day on the lake, so much leave and natural debris wash up on our small beach. We like to compost with it but it is a pain to shovel up and move from the beach. Can it be buried on the beach and used later? Does it break down into sand if you leave it long enough? We have many wheelbarrows full.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
June 18, 2025
Certified ExpertA.The debris will break down into soil, not sand. Sand comes from rocks and shells that break down over time.
The debris can be buried in the sand and it will break down and likely mix with the sand.
These articles may be of interest:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-fertilizer-from-seaweed.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/plants-found-on-sand-dunes.htm
https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/how-is-beach-sand-created/
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