Enriching the Compost Pile with Herbs and Weeds

Jeff Poppen, an experienced biodynamic farmer, shares his techniques for enhancing the compost pile comprised of hay, manures and plant residue. He chooses a variety of weeds and herbs that he adds to the pile, and these are in three different forms: live, dried and fermented. Jeff explains the attributes each herb or weed adds to the power of the finished product.

Post author By NPT Editorial
Post date April 10, 2025
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Plants Featured in this Clip

PERSICARIA pensylvanicum (Heart's Ease, Lady's Thumb)
PERILLA frutescens (shiso, beefsteak plant)
SYMPHYTUM officinale (knitbone)
PHYTOLACCA (American pokeweed, poke sallet)
ACHILLEA millefolium (yarrow)
URTICA dioica (stinging nettle)

Gardener Extras

Cato the Elder (234-149BC) wrote 'De agri cultura', a well-received 'farmers notebook'. In it, he outlined composting of animal manures together with plant waste.
Comfrey efficiently obtains nutrients through its extensive root system including a deep taproot. This makes for an incredible green manure.
EQUISETUM arvense (horsetail) contains a concentrated amount of silica, with it accounting for up to 25% of its dry weight.
VALERIANA officinalis L. (common valerian) seems to help nearby plants by stimulating phosporous and earthworm activity. A decotion made from the roots and sprayed on the ground attracts earthworms.
Used as a mulch, chopped herbs naturally biodegrade and act as a slow release fertilizer. It is especially beneficial under mature fruiting plants such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
URTICA dioica (stinging nettle) has leaves and stems covered with long, fine to bristly hairs that can irritate and blister skin.
Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is a native flowering plant popular with pollinators. It's considered by many to be an aggressive plant.

Jeff Poppen

Jeff says his parents loved growing plants on their Illinois farm, and he credits them for his passion for growing. He’s made his living growing the best organic vegetables he can. Jeff acknowledges he has learned through experience over four decades. He is also an avid student of old-time farming methods, the way folks grew stuff before all of the chemicals in farming. He is compelled to try and shorten the learning curve for other gardeners. Jeff adds, “My wish is that my love for growing organically inspires others.”