In article , Cat
writes
I recently bought a composter (fancy name for four sides and a lid, all made
of hard wearing plastic) and saw on the instructions that weeds could be
composted in it...
I always thought this was a big nono, but then thought that young weeds,
before they set seed, might be ok, as the heat within the composter should
theoretically kill them, and reduce them into the same organic mush as the
rest..

Things that haven't set seed won't go on to produce seed after they're
dead, so there's no problem with them no matter how hot or cool your
heap is. (Btw, you're not aiming for a 'mush' ;-) Nice rich crumbly soil
is what you're after)

In theory, a hot heap should kill seeds.

But remember soil is full of seeds anyway, and weeds are a lot easier to
pull out of a nice loose compost mulch.

I don't put dandelion roots in mine. Or at least, not till they're well
and truly dead from lying on a concrete path in the sun for a few days.

--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"