Hello all,

I was just wondering if it was possible to compost mussel shells (or
indeed any other shellfish)? There I was gaily throwing the moule
scraps into the bin after an absolute wow of a dinner, when I thought
hang on a minute. I'm not dedicated enough to rummage through the bin
(ugh) but it would be useful to know for next time. Not sure if they'd
rot down though.

Cheers,
Wendy

"Ruby Hare" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I was just wondering if it was possible to compost mussel shells (or
indeed any other shellfish)? There I was gaily throwing the moule
scraps into the bin after an absolute wow of a dinner, when I thought
hang on a minute. I'm not dedicated enough to rummage through the bin
(ugh) but it would be useful to know for next time. Not sure if they'd
rot down though.


You could grind them down to grit to help break up clay soil, or as a slug
deterrent if you're feeling lucky. that's about all they'd be good for. Or
maybe use them whole for decoration.

Of course everything that once lived rots eventually, but I think they'll be
towards the longer end of the scale.

Steve

"Ruby Hare" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I was just wondering if it was possible to compost mussel shells (or
indeed any other shellfish)? There I was gaily throwing the moule
scraps into the bin after an absolute wow of a dinner, when I thought
hang on a minute. I'm not dedicated enough to rummage through the bin
(ugh) but it would be useful to know for next time. Not sure if they'd
rot down though.

Cheers,
Wendy

Shazzbat's advice is good but don't forget shells are limey so don't use
them on lime hating plants.

R :-)

"Ruby Hare" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I was just wondering if it was possible to compost mussel shells (or
indeed any other shellfish)? There I was gaily throwing the moule
scraps into the bin after an absolute wow of a dinner, when I thought
hang on a minute. I'm not dedicated enough to rummage through the bin
(ugh) but it would be useful to know for next time. Not sure if they'd
rot down though.

Cheers,
Wendy


I endorse the other good suggestions, and also wonder if they could be used
as a layer of crocks in the bottom of pots, but only for lime lovers, i.e.
dianthus, clematis, et al.

Spider

On 2009-05-01 15:44:19 +0100, "shazzbat"
said:


"Ruby Hare" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I was just wondering if it was possible to compost mussel shells (or
indeed any other shellfish)? There I was gaily throwing the moule
scraps into the bin after an absolute wow of a dinner, when I thought
hang on a minute. I'm not dedicated enough to rummage through the bin
(ugh) but it would be useful to know for next time. Not sure if they'd
rot down though.


You could grind them down to grit to help break up clay soil, or as a slug
deterrent if you're feeling lucky. that's about all they'd be good for. Or
maybe use them whole for decoration.

Of course everything that once lived rots eventually, but I think they'll be
towards the longer end of the scale.

Steve

Limpet shells still survive in the rocky surfaces and steps in Les
Baux, France. It's now about 1000' above sea level, I think. ;-))
--
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Exotic plants, shrubs & perennials
South Devon

Many thanks to all for your helpful replies. Rather than leave them
for the "Time Team" of a thousand years time I think I'll continue to
bin.

Thanks again,
Wendy

On 2009-05-02 12:34:10 +0100, Ruby Hare said:

Many thanks to all for your helpful replies. Rather than leave them
for the "Time Team" of a thousand years time I think I'll continue to
bin.

Thanks again,
Wendy

Or you could take inspiration from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/herita...rticle_3.shtml

;-)
--
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Exotic plants, shrubs & perennials
South Devon

On May 2, 6:19*pm, Sacha wrote:

Or you could take inspiration from:http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/herita...rticle_3.shtml

;-)

Wow! Unfortunately my artistic talents go about as far as a colouring-
in book and a large pack of felt tip pens.

Wendy