For gardeners, composting their kitchen waste is a habit that pays off with beautiful fresh compost every year. It’s natural, amazingly beneficial to the garden and, most importantly, free! However, there is a lot of debate about what can go into a compost bin and this leaves many new gardeners feeling confused and unsure when they first start out.
Should I Compost Citrus or Should I not?
Many experienced gardeners will recommend not adding citrus peelings. There are a variety of reasons given for this, from the acidity of the waste to the fact that citrus peels take an unusually long time to break down. Here we take a look at each of these possible problems and the steps you can take to avoid them.
Speed Up Citrus Composting
Turning out your beautiful new compost onto the ground at the end of the season can be spoiled by having to fish out all the bits that haven’t decomposed yet and many gardeners avoid this by simply not adding them in the first place. But the rate of decomposition can be sped by simple adding smaller pieces. Tear your peelings into small pieces as you stroll down to the compost pile and you won’t have to worry about seeing them again.
Worms Don’t Like Citrus Peels
Some people avoid citrus in compost because worms don’t like it. While it is true that worms will not eat ‘fresh’ citrus, once it has started to decompose it will be incorporated like everything else. However, it is worth making sure your citrus waste goes only on a traditional compost pile and not in a wormery. Make sure you turn your compost regularly to allow it to reach a reasonable heat. This helps it to decompose quickly and avoids the growth of the harmful pencillium mold.
It is clear that composting citrus is not only possible but can offer the same benefits to your compost heap as other veg. If you follow the tips in this article you will end up with rich, crumbly compost that provides a lovely free source of nutrients for your plants throughout the growing season.
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