On Wed, 1 Sep 2004 10:05:28 +0100, "David Hill"
wrote:

Pam.
I should think that the main objection to re using old compost is the build
up of pests etc in the compost.
If you don't have to vast a quantity then you could sterilize it in your
microwave, you would be surprised how much you could do doing say 3 lots of
say 2 litres a day ( a Pyrex casserole dish with lid works great) over 2
weeks.
Mix this with fresh compost and use as normal, but I would use for different
plants to the year before if possible.
I often re use the compost from seed trays into potting mix, and it is
surprising how many slow germinating seeds will show up after a year or even
2.
Sorry to hear about the sight, what is the condition if I may ask?

I have microwaved quite a bit of compost in the past, when I was
fighting vine weevil. (Whispers... I have not seen any this year) but
this could be a problem as it is not so easy for me to see the grubs
in compost now!
Would you think that drenching with Armillatox would kill 2 birds, and
any nasties as well?
BTW my eye problem is Macular Degeneration. Much research going on,
but as yet no cure. It's a b****r.


Pam in Bristol