Composting Citrus Peels: A Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Citrus peels, like orange peels and lemon peels, are often thought to be bad for compost. But this is not true! In fact, citrus peels can be beneficial for your compost pile.
Benefits of Composting Citrus Peels
- Add nutrients to the compost: Citrus peels are a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plants.
- Help break down other materials: The acids in citrus peels can help break down other materials in the compost pile, such as leaves and grass clippings.
- Keep pests away: The strong smell of citrus peels can help keep pests away from your compost pile.
How to Compost Citrus Peels
To compost citrus peels, simply add them to your compost pile along with other organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps. You can cut up the peels into small pieces to help them break down faster.
Citrus Peels and Worms
Some people think that citrus peels can be harmful to worms in compost. However, this is not the case. Citrus peels will not hurt the worms. However, some worms may not like to eat citrus peels. If you are using vermicomposting (composting with worms), you may want to avoid adding citrus peels to the bin.
Citrus Peels and Mold
Another concern about composting citrus peels is that they can grow mold. However, this is only a problem if your compost pile is not hot enough. A well-tended compost pile should be hot enough to kill any mold spores.
Tips for Composting Citrus Peels
- Cut up the peels into small pieces to help them break down faster.
- Add the peels to your compost pile along with other organic materials.
- Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it and help it break down.
- If you are concerned about mold, make sure your compost pile is hot enough.
Conclusion
Composting citrus peels is a great way to add nutrients to your compost and keep pests away. Just be sure to cut up the peels into small pieces and add them to a hot compost pile.
