Ask a handful of gardeners if it is okay to compost tomatoes and you are bound to get conflicting answers.
A question of great controversy, everybody seems to have a different opinion on whether or not this is an acceptable practice.
The truth is that the answer can go either way, depending on a few factors.
Composting tomatoes is indeed risky, but it can be done so long as a few basic criteria are met.
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This article will break down the concerns that often arise, and share steps you can take to mitigate potential problems.
What Are the Risks?
It is true that composting tomato plants can be problematic. If it is not done correctly, it can lead to all sorts of headaches the next season, which is why many prefer to trash their plants and avoid the practice altogether.
There are several risks associated with composting these plants in particular: potential disease spread, the growth of unwanted volunteer plants, and inadequate breakdown of plant material. Let’s take a look at each of these, followed by tips for managing your compost pile effectively.
Disease Spread
Spreading disease is the most serious concern associated with composting these plants.
If plant matter contains pathogens that don’t die in the composting process, those diseases can come back to wreak havoc on next season’s crop.
Many bacterial and fungal organisms can survive on plant tissue in the middle of an improperly managed compost pile. Late blight and early blight, for instance, can overwinter on vines that haven’t broken down completely.
In order to safely compost potentially diseased plants, it is crucial for the
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