Nick Maclaren wrote:
In article ,
Janet wrote:

I finally cropped and dug up my magenta spreen today, to stop it
seeding, and shredded it. But it made me wonder how many people
dry and use the stems of things like it, brassicas etc. for
firewood. Anyone here do that?

I've made a walking stick out of a Jersey cabbage but haven't tried
burning it. Wouldn't it smell unpleasant?

That's what my wife asked, too. I doubt it, but haven't tried.

I've thrown sturdy brassica stalks on the bonfire and ISTR they do
whiff.
Might be okay in an enclosed woodstove but I don't reckon essence de
chou will catch on as a scented candle.

Yes, but I assume that they hadn't been fully dried out first. Lots
of woods stink when green, but not when fully dry - elder and laurel,
for example. I wouldn't use either for firewood, from choice, but
they aren't unacceptable (unlike when green).


That would be my thought about these "Bizarre sources of firewood",
they're just very green and high in water content. When dried down to
the 10% or so suitable for a wood burner there won't be much left of
them though they might make reasonable kindling.

--
Chris Green
·