composting rhubarb leaves

Hi Guys, Does anyone know if its ok to compost rhubarb leaves (arent they supposed to be poisonous) also what about composting privet clippings (evergreen)?

 

Hi Grassclipper, Hubby puts both on the compost heaps and we never had a problem. The rhubarb leaves are only poisonous if eaten.

 

Lots of plants are poisonous Grassclipper, but only if you eat them/breath the smoke(oleander)/rub them into your skin. Once they've been composted and fed to the soil there isn't a problem.
Rhubarb is fine on the compost heap, but will rot faster if you rip the leaves up otherwise they can form a 'carpet' and slow down decomposition.

 

Thanks Kedi-Gato and Dave W for the tip I can now get on with composting these items. I've recently had one of those tumbling composters and found it v.good. It will compost in 4 or 5 weeks with a good mix, I then tip it out into an old seed compost bag (80 litres)and store it for use later when needed.

 

hi grassclipper, i soak my rhubarb leaves first in a bucket of water, i leave it in to brew for 3-4 wks than use the resultant liquid as a spray for greenfly, lillies, brassicas and anything else that gets probs, mainly ornamental plants, but definately not on soft fruit etc. Then i compost the left over glump.