Can You Compost Orange Peels?

If you’ve ever wondered, “can you compost orange peels?” the answer is yes. Although there are a few things you should know when doing so. So here’s your fast guide!

Composting Basics

When composting, you’ll need to include a mix of both carbon and nitrogen-rich materials. Typically carbon-rich materials are referred to as brown items. That’s because they are often brown in color such as dry leaves for example.

Nitrogen-rich materials on the other hand are called green items since many of them are green such as freshly cut grass. While not green in color, orange peels belong to the green group and can help to add a healthy dose of nitrogen and other nutrients namely potassium and phosphorous.So are orange peels good for compost, yes but like any green material you don’t want to use them in excess.

Common Misconceptions

Unlike many other materials that people normally throw right into their compost bin or pile without hesitation, there are some misconceptions about orange peels and that’s why many people don’t compost them.

Their acidity is often brought up, and while they are acidic, this won’t be a problem for you compost unless you’re adding extreme amounts on a regular basis. Peels also contain the chemical d-Limonene which repels many different types of insects.

It is also used as the active ingredient in environmentally friendly insecticides. But, while it works well for mosquitoes, aphids, and ants you won’t have to worry about the livelihood of the insects which are actually beneficial to your compost.

Chemical oils such as d-Limonene do begin to break down quite quickly during the composting process anyway. Many people also say that orange peels in compost are dangerous for worms. This is not true, while worms don’t like to eat citrus fruits until they have started to decompose for a while it won’t harm them.

Adding Peels To Your Compost

The skin of the orange is actually pretty tough, since it is meant to protect the fruit. And this means it breaks down slower than other items. For example banana peels in compost will take around three to four weeks to decompose while orange peels may take around six months.

To help peels decompose at a faster rate however, tearing or cutting them up into small pieces can be a big help. If you end up with whole oranges that have gone rotten you can add them too just cut them open for faster decomposition.

Luckily adding orange peel composting can also help to keep some scavengers from digging around in your pile for free goodies. Some backyard pests hate the smell of citrus fruits and may keep them away. Skunks are one in particular that don’t like the scent of orange peels.

In The Garden

You may also want to think about using orange peels in the garden too. They can be used as an all natural fertilizer when placed on or under the soil. The d-Limonene they contain can also help to keep harmful insects out so they don’t destroy your plants and vegetables.

Peels can also deter pesky mosquitoes allowing you to relax without getting bit. You may even want to use your peels to make your own insecticide spray.

So the next time you hear someone ask, “can you compost orange peels,” you know the answer. Don’t listen to the naysayers, they are perfectly safe to use and have many other uses in the garden as well.

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