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composting
george 4
Posts: 3
after using iron sulphate moss killer and scarifying can the residue be used for mulching plants such as hydrangeas azaleas etc
Geor ge 4
0
Posts
I haven't a clue George but I'll bump this up for you
In the sticks near Peterborough
This website http://www.thechemicalblog.co.uk/ferrous-sulphate-moss-killer/ is quite clear that you should not compost lawn rakings/clippings that have been treated with iron sulphate.
Hope that's of help
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Well, the iron sulphate won't harm anything but I'd be a bit wary of any spores from fruiting bodies within the dead moss causing moss to grow where it is used as a mulch. Personally, I'd have no qualms about adding it to a compost heap though, where the bacteria and worms will 'eat' any spores. Then use the compost as a mulch.
Edit: I didn't see Dove's post until after posting my reply and am a bit perplexed why that site says not to put it on the compost heap. While I'd not put rakings on after using feed & weed, FeSO4 is pretty harmless. I'll do a bit of research.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron(II)_sulfate
"In horticulture it is used for treating iron chlorosis. Although not as rapid-acting as iron chelate, its effects are longer-lasting. It can be mixed with compost and dug into to the soil to create a store which can last for years. It is also used as a lawn conditioner, and moss killer."
I'll go with my original reply I think.
No idea why that website says don't do it then - not my area really
- if someone wants to enquire why they say that, there's a form for contacting the author at the bottom of the page if you scroll down.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
That's the internet for you Dove!
many thanks to all you guys for you messages whilst I thought it a risk.,
having used an iron compoud on acid loving plants & in some cases to green-up
others . If i do use this compost I will post the results in due course
happy gardening George
Iron sulphate is also a worm killer. It is used to eradicate worms in lawns to prevent mole damage.
thanks daituom this stuff has come from a bowling green obviously used to stop
the worm cast may be not agood idea
George
Any update on the result of mulching with the residues? I did the same yesterday on my Hydrangeas and I wonder if I should remove the mulch....