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Attempted home made ericaceous compost

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  • Attempted home made ericaceous compost

    Last year I built up a separate small compost heap in an old bin putting acidic stuff into it such as rhubarb leaves and citrus peel. I took it for granted that it would stay acidic as it decomposed and be good for my blueberries. To my surprise, sticking a ph tester into it today it turned out to be only a little less alkaline than the standard heap.

    Did I do something wrong somewhere, or is this normal? Or is my cheap Wilko monitor giving duff data (I did clean the probes before use.)?
    Today's mistake is tomorrow's compost...

  • #2
    Have you tested it on tap water? And lemon juice just to make sure?

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    • #3
      Now why didn't I think of that!!
      I've been away for a few days, I'll try that tomorrow.
      Thanks
      Today's mistake is tomorrow's compost...

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      • #4
        Not sure but it could be that the Oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves and the Citric acid in citrus peel break down in the composting process.
        Bracken produces a slightly acidic compost as does bark from conifers

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        • #5
          Try conifer needles, I hear they stay acidic.
          There's no point reading history if you don't use the lessons it teaches.

          Head-hunted member of the Nutter's Club - can I get my cranium back please ?

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          • #6
            an earlier thread here: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...mpost_519.html
            All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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