We have a compost pile that we've had near a photinia for about 4 years. The photinia, true to the good doctor's word, has succumbed to a fungal disease that we've been fighting with sick tree treatment and corn meal for about 2 years. I've been very careful to keep the infected leaves out of the pile, but I'm worried that being that close to the plant, the fungus may still have gotten into the compost. Reccommenations, anyone? Do I need to ditch all my gardner's gold?

Oh no! Don't do that! Just make sure it's plenty hot so any pathogens are killed in the process. I don't even worry about that because mine is always hot and steamy. Of course, I kinda cheat because I give it a shot of molasses & water every couple of weeks. Keeps it fired up. Just remember to keep it balanced with lots of good carbon and it should burn out anything that might be harmful.

Hope that helps!
Kathe

In fact the experts throw lots of diseased stuff into the compost pile the same way we inoculate ourselves against disease. Think of it as stimulating your garden's immune system.

Thank you for the advice! I'm glad to hear my efforts in composting are not lost!

Mike