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Plymouth, MN

I am accumulating a significant pile of aquatic plants and muck. Does this stuff make decent compost? Could one use muck directly for vine burying? Or is the stuff too rick in certain nutrients or pathogens to use on a patch safely?

6/20/2022 10:18:41 AM

Western NY

A long time ago in a previous patch I used some milfoil. I'm not sure I would do it now with what I know about the prevalence of disease in surface water.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_does_irrigation_influence_the_presence_and_severity_of_diseases

6/20/2022 10:41:06 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

I compost mine from our pond, but let it run the compost cycle over a season. I am always afraid of disease when using the unknown.

6/20/2022 11:05:07 AM

Grittyville, WA

I'm having trouble with phyto for a 3rd year. I think its from using my own yard waste. Bioassays are helpful when there are too many unknowns... In other words, grow test plants in pots then treat some with questionable amendment xyz and some without. After a few weeks you'll have a better idea of the risk-to-benefit.

6/20/2022 7:55:22 PM

East Sussex, UK

Most things of organic origin, when composted well, will be fine.

6/21/2022 6:19:25 AM

Bethlehem CT

Another thing to consider is if the pond is treated for algae and other aquatic weeds. There could still be remnants of herbicide left in the muck. Copper sulfate is what is often used for algae. There are also other aquatic herbicides which may have a long residual impact. I would want to see a soil test on it confirming it was free of contaminants before adding it to my garden..

6/21/2022 6:29:07 AM

Plymouth, MN

Really appreciate the feedback. I'll probably try composting the weeds for non-pumpkin gardening purposes. I'm nervous about the aquatic herbicides--there are invasive that get treated every now and again, but I'm not sure how widely that information is broadcast, and I'm sure you'd never know if the neighbors dumped something in the water.

6/21/2022 6:17:01 PM