Q Can I shred laurel leaves into compost destined for the veg patch? MRS A KERSWELL, GLOUCS

A Leaves of English or cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) contain small amounts of cyanide, a chemical that smells of almonds and can be toxic in high concentrations. This isn’t necessarily a danger, but it wouldn’t be wise to take a car full of shredded laurel to the tip on a hot day. Adding the shredded leaves to your compost heap won’t do any harm. Just make sure, as with any nitrogen-rich (green) materials, that you mix them with brown (carbonrich) matter to help it decompose.