Have you tried composting in a rotating barrel before?
A compost tumbler often referred to as a rotating barrel is one of the ways you can compost your kitchen waste. You can purchase a rotating barrel or a compost tumbler for use in your apartment building. Before you go looking for a good compost tumbler to buy, it is only right that you know how to compost in a rotating barrel.
In this article, we will be talking about the safest methods on how to engage in odorless composting; either indoors or outdoors with the help of a compost tumbler.
What is a Rotating Barrel?
Rotating barrels are also called compost tumblers and are designed as an odorless and easy method of composting. They can be purchased at retail stores that deal on gardening tools and equipment both online and offline. They are available in different shapes and sizes which make it possible for you to find one that can fit into small spaces.
They are a safe option if you are looking to compost indoors and can produce fresh compost from kitchen waste in a short period. The only downside to using a compost tumbler is that they limit the amount of waste you can compost at a time. When you make use of compost bins, you can add as much materials and can compost a lot which is the only advantage it has over rotating barrels.
Benefits of rotating Barrels
There are a lot of benefits if using a rotating barrel compared to compost bins and they include
Makes Composting Easy
A compost tumbler is designed to make composting easy. They save you the stress associated with composting since they require little labor. With backyard composting or compost bins, you have to keep cleaning and maintaining the compost bins which can be a lot of work.
Clean Form of Composting
One of the problems associated with backyard composting is that it can be untidy. The materials smell when not properly arranged and can breed flies and vermin around your garden. With a rotating barrel, you get to avoid the sight of filthy looking compost since the entire unit is sealed.
Produce rich compost in a short time
If you want nutrient-rich compost in the shortest possible time, then you should consider getting a rotating barrel. They can break down kitchen waste to rich compost nutrients in 2 weeks.
How to Use a Rotating Barrel
One of the problems of compost tumblers apart from the fact that a lot of them are expensive is that they can be difficult to turn. When the materials in the barrel are not properly turned, it becomes difficult for them to decompose which means you don’t get to harvest any nutrient for your plants.
A closed compost tumbler requires the right kind of conditions for it to perform its duties. With regular composting, you pile the materials on the ground and leave them for months for nature to act on it. They get direct sunlight and enough moisture to ensure that decomposition takes place. For you to get the best from your rotating tumblers, they have to be able to perform their duty which is to ensure that the materials are rotated to speed up the decomposition process.
Some quick tips to using a rotating barrel include
You need to start the process by adding compost soil to the materials. If you can’t get compost soil, you can get compost activator of horse manure as they are also effective in speeding the decomposition process.
Ensure that the materials you add to your rotating barrels are in the right ratio. A carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25 is a good fit for most compost tumblers.
It is recommended that all materials are shredded to small pieces. This helps to speed up the decomposition process.
The best way to use a rotating barrel is for batch production. Adding materials without following a batching system only makes it difficult for decomposition to take place.
You want to also ensure that your materials are moist enough. This is a requirement if you want to get the best out of your compost.
You can purchase a composter with dual compartments if you have too many materials that need to be composted. This makes it possible for you to produce compost in batches and never run out of nutrients. This is a good investment if you are in the business of turning kitchen waste to manure.
Before you Buy a Rotating Barrel
It is important that you decide on the amount of compost you want to manufacture before buying a rotating barrel. This makes it possible for you to decide on the right size of tumbler that will meet your needs. If you will be using your compost tumblers in an apartment building, it is only right that you find a befitting space to keep it. They can be kept at the balcony or on an accessible rooftop.
You also need to have access to the right composting materials. This includes green organic materials such as fruits, vegetables, grass clipping, and leaves. You also need to have enough brown materials to add to your rotating barrel such as straw, newspaper, sawdust, pellets, eggshells, and peat moss.
We advise that you purchase a large rotating barrel if you have the resources and space to keep it. If you are finding it difficult to get access to materials to use in your compost tumblers, you can also meet with your neighbors and agree to collect their kitchen waste. Discuss with them and provide bins for them to keep their scraps in until you are ready to collect them.
You can save yourself a great deal of stress with a rotating barrel. Also, they help to reduce the smell and dirt associated with composting. While the large compost tumblers are expensive, you can also find small sized barrels that are well priced.
Which brand of rotating barrel do you use? We will like to hear from you.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
Mushroom composting can be a great addition to any gardening routine. While it can be a great soil amendment, you need to be aware of the plants that do not like mushroom compost.
In this article, we will be talking about mushroom compost, the benefits of using it, and where to use it.
What is Mushroom Compost?
Mushroom compost is also referred to as spent mushroom compost since it is obtained from the remains of mushroom farming. It is mainly used as a mulch and soil conditioner to improve ornamental and vegetable gardens. Due to its alkalinity, it is unsuitable for use as compost for acid-loving plants.
Most gardeners use mushroom compost to improve their soil‘s moisture content and break down the clay. But what most of them don’t know is that there are different types of mushroom compost. The most commercially available type is the mushroom substrate which is usually a mix of chicken or horse manure, and gypsum or wheat straw. In large-scale production of substrates, large bales of wheat straws are dipped in water and then cut into pieces with the help of a chipper. After which the straw is gradually worked into the gypsum and manure. After the materials are composted, they are sterilized to improve their quality before they are taken to the growing trays.
Another type is the spent mushroom compost which is what’s obtained from mushroom farms. They are often sold as conditioners for turfs and lawns where it is used to improve soil quality. They are equally useful in raised bed mediums and planting mix where it helps to improve water retention.
How to Use Mushroom Compost?
Mushroom compost has versatile applications. For starters, you can easily add it to any soil to improve the quality before the commencement of planting season. It is mostly suitable for use in vegetable gardens and is equally effective in most alkaline soil. Before you lay your lawn grass, you should work the mushroom compost into the soil. You should apply up to 3 inches of mushroom compost on top of your annual or perennial bed, and dig to a 6-inch depth to get the best results. Do not forget to water your lawn regularly and be on the watch out for weeds.
Once you apply mushroom compost to your lawn, there is no need for any additional fertilizer or herbicides for the entire season. To prevent your plant root from burning out, you should apply your mushroom compost close to the roots of your plant for easy nutrient uptake.
You will likely be dealing with weeds when you use compost in your garden, and shouldn’t be worried when you find some on top of your mushroom compost. But when they are properly sterilized before storage, you barely have to worry about weeds.
Mushroom compost can also be used on houseplants, but you must apply only a thin layer on top of the potting soil. You also want to check that there are enough drainage holes in your pot. Flower pots without drainage are not suitable for mushroom compost or any other type of compost.
Are there Chemical Residues in Mushroom Compost?
They claim that mushroom compost contains chemical residues from the industries that produce it and that it might not be suitable for use. It is okay to be conscious of what you feed your plants and plant soil. But the truth is that you cannot be certain about what goes on in those mushroom farms.
Most mushroom farmers make use of chemical sprays to tackle the problems of flies and gnats in their facilities. These chemical sprays may get into the mushroom compost making it unfit to be used in certified organic farms. Some of the common chemicals used in mushroom farms to tackle insect problems include methoprene, diazinon, domain, cyromazine, and diflubenzuron. They also apply chemicals such as chlorothalonil, benomyl, and thiabendazole to treat fungal infections in mushroom crops.
When looking to get mushroom compost from farms, is recommended that you enquire about the type of chemicals used in growing the plants. This makes it possible for you to know whether or not the compost will contain toxic materials. The presence of toxic chemicals in your mushroom compost can make it difficult for it to take effect on your plants, or it may have negative effects.
Plants that Do Not like Mushroom Compost
As we mentioned earlier, mushroom compost is not a good fit for acid-loving plants. For these types of plants, you will want to apply acidic compost that has a slightly higher nitrogen content. Mushroom compost can be added to plants with a slightly higher alkaline content. Some examples of plants that do not like mushroom compost include:
Camellia
Cranberry
Viburnum
Gardenia
Hydrangea
Azalea
Blueberry
Rhododendron
Magnolia
Japanese maple
Aster
Fern
Juniper
Lupine
Holly
Bleeding heart
Plants that Like Mushroom Compost
The slow-release mushroom compost can be added to vegetables and plants grown in alkaline soil. You can add mushroom compost to trees, vines, bushes, and perennial crops such as:
Yarrow
Salvias
Shasta daisy
Lavender
Meadow rue
Reticulated iris
Hosta
Goldenrod
Delphinium
Easter Lilies
Foxglove
Centaurea
Columbine
Bearded iris kiwi
Virginia creeper
Winter jasmine
Clematis
Boston ivy
Mugo pine
Horse chestnut
Ornamental cherry
Lilac bushes
Yew bushes
Mushroom Compost Alternatives
There are other alternatives to mushroom compost that you can apply to your garden to improve the soil nutrient they include:
While mushroom soil is good for most plants, it is important to determine whether it is suitable for the plants you are growing. If you are growing potatoes, you are probably wondering; is mushroom soil good for potatoes? The answer to this question is yes, mushroom soil is good for potatoes.
However, other types of soil with more nutrients will be required. This is because mushroom soil does not contain enough nutrients for heavy-feeding crops such as potatoes. On top of that, mushroom soil can contain a lot of lime which may cause conditions such as scabs on potatoes. So it is best to mix it with other soil types to dilute this lime.
What is The pH of Mushroom Soil?
Mushroom soil is alkaline, and has a pH range between 6-8. This pH can even be higher if the soil comes from a factory that uses lime. This, therefore, makes this soil type suitable for alkaline soil-loving plants.
How Much Nitrogen is in Mushroom Compost?
Mushroom compost has a low nitrogen content of about 1.12%. This is because most of the nitrogen will have been consumed by the mushrooms that were originally grown in it. Most of this nitrogen content is mostly in an organic form which releases slowly and is available to plants over long periods.
While the low nitrogen content of mushroom compost may seem like a disadvantage, it can have its benefits. One of the advantages is that it will discourage the growth of weeds around your plants, giving them a better chance of survival.
What is The pH of Mushroom Compost?
Mushroom compost in its fresh form has a pH of about 6.6. This pH is in the ideal range for most plants.
Is Mushroom Compost Good For Mango Trees?
Mushroom compost is an excellent source of nutrients for trees such as mango trees. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients. It also contains a good amount of calcium which is good for the development of roots and plants.
Is Mushroom Compost Good For Avocado Trees?
Mushroom compost is a good source of organic matter for the long-term health and well-being of a plant such as an avocado. But as already mentioned, it has a low content of nitrogen. To make it suitable for avocado trees, it needs to be mixed with other nutrient-rich soils or the avocado tree will not grow well enough.
Other types of organic matter that complement mushroom compost include cow manure. Mix them and work them into the soil around your avocado tree, or prepare the soil where you are going to plant new avocado trees and you have a winning formula.
Does Lettuce Like Mushroom Compost?
Mushroom compost provides excellent conditions for the growth and productivity of lettuce. Mixing mushroom compost at a ratio of 42 to 48% into the soil can have great benefits for lettuce plants. You should be careful to mix it at the appropriate ratio and not use it as a substitute for soil.
What Plants Like Mushroom Compost
Mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom cultivation. It is made from a mixture of straw, horse manure, and gypsum. You can add mushroom compost as a soil amendment or mulch for plants. Mushroom compost is high in nutrients and microorganisms that improve soil structure and fertility.
Many plants benefit from the addition of mushroom compost to their growing medium. Here are a few examples:
Vegetables: Mushroom compost is perfect for growing vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It provides them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruiting.
Berries: You can add mushroom compost to the soil of your strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Fruit Trees: Fruit trees like apples and pears will benefit from mushroom compost in their growing medium.
Herbs: Basil, thyme, and rosemary are fond of mushroom compost. Adding it to their soil can enhance their growth and output.
Keep in mind that mushroom compost is typically high in nitrogen and low in potassium and phosphorous. You should mix it with other organic materials to provide the best balance for your plants.
What Is the pH Of Mushroom Compost?
Mushroom compost has a pH that typically ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. This is considered slightly acidic to neutral.
The pH of mushroom compost is influenced by the materials used in its production. Popular materials are straw, horse manure, and gypsum. The pH varies depending on the balance of these ingredients.
It’s best to have the pH of your mushroom compost tested before using it. If the pH is too low or too high, you can amend it by adding lime or sulfur, respectively, to adjust it to the desired range.
Mushroom Compost Benefits
Mushroom compost can benefit your garden in several ways. Here are some of the most significant benefits of mushroom compost:
Improves Soil Structure: Mushroom compost helps improve the soil‘s structure by adding organic matter. This can increase water-holding capacity and improve drainage.
Increases Nutrient Availability: Mushroom compost is high in nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. These can help promote healthy plant growth.
Adds Microorganisms: Mushroom compost is rich in microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi. These help improve soil health and fertility.
Disease and Pest Control: The microorganisms in mushroom compost can help control diseases and pests in your garden by suppressing harmful pathogens.
Makes a Great Mulch: Mushroom compost is an excellent mulch that you can add to your garden to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.
Conclusion – Plants that do Not like mushroom compost!
We hope that you enjoyed reading and got valuable information from this article on plants that do not like mushroom compost. You will now be able to use mushroom compost for your plants confidently.
Have you tried mushroom compost before? We will like to hear about your experience in the comment section.
FAQ’s
What vegetable plants do not like mushroom compost?
If you have never used mushroom compost in your garden before, you might be wondering what vegetable plants do not like it. Compost is an organic fertilizer that has been used for hundreds of years to enrich soil and boost plant growth. It can be made from many different sources including kitchen waste, yard waste, leaves and even manure. In fact, composting is a great way to get rid of all those food scraps and household waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Compost is often referred to as “black gold” because of its high nutrient value. In addition to being rich in nutrients, compost also provides a safe place for bacteria and fungi to grow. These organisms decompose the organic material in your compost and turn it into humus, which is the most stable form of organic matter. Humus helps your plants absorb nutrients from the soil. By adding mushroom compost to your garden, you are making it easier for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need. There are some vegetables, however, that do not like the smell or taste of compost. If your compost smells bad or tastes bitter, it can cause your plants to have a hard time absorbing the nutrients they need. You can avoid this problem by using an odor neutralizer and adding an ingredient to your compost to mask the bitter taste. You can also choose to use a different composting method, such as the worm composting method.
Is mushroom compost good for all plants?
Mushroom compost is a valuable addition to any garden. It’s best to use mushroom compost in the spring or fall when you’re planning to plant a new crop. The mushroom compost has a low nitrogen content and will help the soil warm up and prepare for the new plant. It also contains natural nutrients that help boost the growth of the new crop.
There are two types of mushroom compost available, bagged and bulk. I’d recommend using bagged compost because it’s easy to add to your garden and will be ready for use once you’re ready to plant. Bagged compost can be added to your garden once a week, or whenever you want to add it. Bulk compost must be mixed into your soil to be effective. Bagged mushroom compost is available in four different sizes: 1-gal., 2-gal., 4-gal., and 6-gal. Bulk mushroom compost is available in several sizes, but I don’t recommend buying it in bulk. If you purchase bulk mushroom compost, it will be very difficult to mix it into your soil. You may have to mix it with a shovel or by hand.
Is mushroom compost better than regular compost?
Mushroom compost has a higher nitrogen content than regular compost. Mushroom compost is more efficient in converting organic matter into nutrients for the plants it supports.
Mushrooms can also add beneficial enzymes to your compost. Composting with mushrooms can be done right away or you can wait until the mushrooms have fully colonized the compost. There is no hard and fast rule. It will depend on the type of mushrooms you use and the conditions of your bin. If your bin is too hot, or if the mushrooms are not growing as well as you would like, you may want to wait. If you are going to use the compost in your garden within a few months, wait.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
There are a lot of materials you can use in composting. They can include green vegetables and old newspaper. You can also source for high-quality compost for your garden by purchasing mushroom compost.
Mushroom composts are waste products derived from the industrial production of mushrooms. These mushroom composts mainly consist of organic matter such as horse dung, wheat straw, ground chalk, and dried blood. Mushroom compost can provide your plants with adequate nutrients to support healthy growth.
When composted properly, mushrooms can provide your soil with 0.7% Nitrogen, 0.3% Potassium, 0.3% phosphorus, and other trace elements. Mushroom compost acts as a quality soil conditioner and can be used to add nutrients to mineral-deficient soils.
When shopping for mushroom compost to use in your garden, you want to ensure that you check that the pesticide content is low. When mushroom compost is produced in the industry, chemicals are often added to treat the straw and to ward off gnat and other insects from the decaying matter. For the best mushroom compost, you want to ensure that there are no chemical compounds added to the mix to avoid contamination of your plants.
Before you can truly understand how to use mushroom compost, you need to first familiarize yourself with what mushroom compost is.
What is Mushroom Compost?
Mushroom compost can simply be identified as a compost material that is made from mushrooms. They are available for purchase from organic soil markets where they are often referred to as mushroom soil. It contains rich amounts of nutrients like Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Potassium. Three key minerals that your soil needs to support healthy plant growth and development.
Before you go shopping for mushroom compost, you need to know that there are various types of mushroom compost available in the market. While all of them are made from mushrooms, they each undergo a slightly different kind of manufacturing process that affects the quality of the resulting compost.
The different types of mushroom compost include:
Mushroom Substrate
The mushroom substrate is the common type of mushroom compost you can find. The process of manufacturing mushroom substrate usually involves making use of a medium that includes a mix of ingredients. The ingredients used in the substrate can be a mix of chicken or horse manure and gypsum or wheat straw. Other ingredients can be used as a substrate, but these are the most commonly used.
The production process usually begins with the addition of large bales of wheat straw to cool water and leaving it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Once the straws are completely moist, it is then cut into tiny pieces by the help of a chipper. The manufacturer then blends the gypsum and manure together, and then slowly includes the chipped straw into the mix. The resulting mixture is now kept in hot compost piles and left for 2 to 3 weeks. For the best result, the piles will have to be turned and watered regularly to speed up the decomposition process. After the wheat seeds have died off from the excess heat, the piles are then transferred into rows and left out for a few more weeks to further compost.
The compost pile will be ready for pasteurizing once the piles appear brownish in color. The reason for pasteurizing is to kill any weed seed or bacteria that are left in the compost. The resulting compost is clean and ready for use in growing mushrooms.
Spent Mushroom Substrate
Spent mushroom substrates are the type of mushroom compost you purchase from mushroom farms. They are termed “spent” because they are no longer fit for use in growing mushrooms but can be recycled by adding it to a compost pile.
Compared to the mushroom substrate, these types of mushroom compost are low in nutrients and can only be used in amending soil nutrients. They are often used as lawn conditioners to improve the quality of the soil. The straw content in spent mushroom substrates is a good organic material that helps improve the water retention of the soil. This makes it a good addition to a raised bed medium or planting mix.
You are likely to find mushrooms growing in your garden when you make use of spent mushroom substrates. I strongly advise not to eat the mushrooms you find in your garden (as a result of spent mushroom substrate) so as to avoid consuming any chemical compound that might have been added to the mix. Carefully remove any mushroom as soon as they appear to prevent them from reaching maturity.
Substitute Mushroom Compost
Other materials can be used in mushroom compost. But before they are added, they are pasteurized to kill off all the bacteria that can encourage the growth of mold. Some of the popular materials used in substitute mushroom composting include coffee grounds. This is because it is readily available and can be purchased for use in a home-base mushroom growing setup. You can purchase coffee grounds for free from commercial coffee shops depending on your area.
Other materials that are used as a mushroom compost base include horse or chicken manure, coconut coir, peat moss, soybean meal, and hardwood dust. Once these materials are broken down, they can provide your soil with organic matter that can improve nutrient availability for healthy plant growth.
A slow-release fertilizer to neutralize acidic soil.
Added to clay soil to improve water retention.
Fresh manure compost can be used as mulch for your plant root.
A dresser for the top of your lawns to prevent the growth of weed.
Mushroom compost can be used in vermicomposting as a worm bed.
It can be added to a tumbler composter to speed up the decomposition process.
FAQ’s
How do you use mushroom compost?
Mushroom compost has been known to increase the health and vitality of plants. This compost will naturally fertilize and stimulate the growth of plants. It also helps to improve soil structure and texture. The nutrient content of compost is very high, making it an effective source of nutrition for your plants. Mushroom compost is a rich and natural fertilizer that is easy to use. It is available in liquid, granular, or pellet form. It is safe for use on any type of plant, whether indoor or outdoor.
Mushroom compost can be used on a wide variety of plants.
You can apply it directly to your garden or use it as a mulch for your houseplants. Compost can be used around your houseplants and shrubs. It will help to keep your plants healthy, and it will prevent disease. It is also great for the lawn, and you can use it to fertilize your lawn. It can be used to water your garden plants as well.
Mushroom compost is a natural and organic fertilizer that can be used to enhance the growth of your plants. Compost is made from the decayed matter of food scraps, leaves, grass clippings and garden trimmings. It contains many nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, copper, zinc and manganese. What are the benefits of using mushroom compost? Mushroom compost has been known to increase the health and vitality of plants. This compost will naturally fertilize and stimulate the growth of plants. It also helps to improve soil structure and texture. The nutrient content of compost is very high, making it an effective source of nutrition for your plants. Mushroom compost is a rich and natural fertilizer that is easy to use. It is available in liquid, granular, or pellet form. It is safe for use on any type of plant, whether indoor or outdoor. It can be used to water your garden plants as well.
What is better cow manure or mushroom compost?
Mushroom compost is a great thing to use for your garden, as it contains many beneficial microbes. However, I’d stick with cow manure, as it contains less nitrogen and more phosphorus than mushroom compost (although that isn’t a deal breaker in my opinion). I’ve had a few different kinds of cow manure compost and all have worked well for me.
Can I grow vegetables in straight mushroom compost?
Yes, you can! If your compost is well-made and has a good balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it should be fine. You may need to add some fertilizer (i.e. fish or blood meal) if you don’t have adequate levels. If the compost is not nutrient-rich, you’ll need to fertilize it. You can use fish, blood meal, or any other fertilizer you like.
Where to Buy Mushroom Compost
You can purchase mushroom compost from mushroom manufacturing industries and farms or in big box stores like Home Depot or Lowes.
They are also available for purchase online for use in soil amendment. You can also make your own mushroom compost at home following simple methods we have outlined above.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
In the past, it was believed that orange peels shouldn’t be included in compost bins. This was due to the belief that the addition of orange peels could scare off bugs, worms, and other organisms that encourage composting.
If you are wondering if you can compost orange peels, then you are not alone. We have been asked this question by some of our readers who are interested in knowing some of the things that can be included in the compost pile.
Can You Compost Orange Peels?
To answer the question, yes! You can add orange peels to your compost. Not only orange peels, but citrus peels are also equally good green materials to include in your compost mix.
Citrus peels are rich in nitrogen and can easily speed up the activity of microorganisms when included in your compost. Lemon peels, lime peels, grape, and other citrus peels can be tossed into your compost pile for use as a nutrient for your plants.
Orange peels aren’t just good for use in the garden for composting; they can also serve other purposes and shouldn’t be thrown away as trash. But you must know that we don’t advise you to use orange peels in vermicomposting. This is because worms actually don’t like the smell of citrus and often avoid compost piles with citrus peels in them.
When vermicomposting, you need the worms to eat off the scraps in your pile and worms don’t eat orange peels; this is why you want to avoid it in worm composting. But for traditional composting, you can add fresh orange peels without worries.
How to Compost with Orange Peels
1. Add the orange peels in small pieces
Citrus peels are rich in nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Before adding orange peels to your compost, you will need to ensure that you cut or trim them into smaller pieces to speed up the rate of decomposition. Adding large orange peels to your compost can slow down the rate of composting. This is because it takes a longer time for large materials to get broken down by bacteria.
2. Mix an equal ratio of green and brown materials
You can add freshly cut orange peels or already decomposing peels to your compost pile. When including orange peels in your compost, you want to ensure that there is an equal ratio of green and brown materials in your compost pile.
Orange peels are examples of rich green materials you can include in your compost bin. In addition, you can include grass clippings, vegetables, and other fruit peels and remnants to boost the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of your compost. You should also check that the materials are properly placed and not tightly compacted to allow the free flow of oxygen within the pile. When there is not enough ventilation in your compost pile, it can result in the buildup of moisture which can cause your compost to smell.
3. Keep your compost with proper ventilation and temperature
There are also claims that adding citrus peels to your compost can encourage the growth of Penicillium mold. But other factors make us doubt this possibility. This is because there when you follow good composting practices, your compost pile will be occasionally hot which would not encourage the growth of Penicillium mold. The molds do better in cooler environments and wouldn’t grow in a hot compost pile.
The only time you will find mold on your citrus peels is if there is not enough heat in the pile. Keep your compost bin in areas where it can get direct sunlight and proper ventilation.
Other Things You Can Do with Orange Peels in Your Garden
Apart from being a rich source of nutrients for composting, orange peels can also serve other purposes in your garden. We are happy to inform you that you can also use orange peels for
As an Insect Repellant When Working in Your Garden
You can rub orange peels on your skin to ward off mosquitoes when you are busy in your garden. Mosquitoes are indeed a big issue in the garden. While they might not do much damage to your plants, they can make your time in the garden a little unbearable. With the help of orange peels, you can make a quick insect repellant that can serve as a remedy against mosquito bites before going into your garden.
Use Orange Peels as an Organic Pesticide
Orange peels can also be used as an organic pesticide in the garden. They are particularly potent against pests such as whitefly and aphid. To make your home-made pesticide using orange peels, simply
Add a few slices of orange peels into three cups of water and boil for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow the orange peels to steep in the water for another 15 minutes.
Once the water is cool, take out the orange peels and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle.
You can now use the spray on garden pests to keep them out of your garden.
Use Orange Peels to Freshen Your Compost
You can also include fresh orange peels in your compost to reduce the smell. You want to ensure that you also balance out by adding some brown materials too to the pile. Throw in a few pieces of newspaper to keep things intact.
Can You Compost Citrus?
You can safely compost citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. But you should only use them in moderation.
Citrus fruits are acidic and can lower the pH of your compost pile. This can, in turn, slow down the decomposition process and make it more difficult for beneficial microorganisms to thrive.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when composting citrus fruits:
Avoid Composting Citrus Peels: Citrus peels can take a long time to decompose and may attract pests. It’s best to keep them out of your compost pile.
Cut Them Up: If you cut citrus fruits into small pieces, the decomposition process will be sped up.
Monitor The pH Levels: Keep a close eye on the pH level of your compost pile. If it becomes too acidic, add lime or wood ash to neutralize it.
Can Worms Eat Orange Peels
Worms can eat orange peels, but it isn’t the best food choice for them. Orange peels lack sufficient nitrogen and may not provide worms with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Orange peels are also acidic and can lower the pH of your compost pile. These conditions can make it challenging for worms to thrive.
Worms thrive in a neutral pH environment, so if you use worm composting (vermicomposting), it’s best to avoid adding too many citrus peels. You should also monitor the pH of the bedding materials and the composting environment to prevent acidity.
Are Orange Peels Good For Plants
Orange peels can be good for plants, but you always have to use them in moderation. Since orange peels are so acidic, it can lower soil pH too much. When this happens, it’s difficult for plants to absorb nutrients.
However, orange peels are rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Here’s how you can use them in your garden to benefit your plants:
Composting: You can add orange peels to your compost pile. They will break down and add nutrients to the soil.
Mulch: Orange peels make a great mulch around acid-loving plants like blueberries, raspberries, and azaleas.
Fertilizer: You can dry and grind orange peels to make a granular natural fertilizer for your plants.
Pest Control: Orange peels deter pests like ants and aphids.
Conclusion
You can add orange peels to your compost to add more nitrogen to the mix. We only suggest that you make use of orange peels in traditional composting and not in vermicomposting (worm composting). Apart from orange peels, you can also add other citrus peels to your compost pile. It is important that you cut the peels into smaller pieces before adding them to your compost bin.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
Why do compost bins smell? Is it possible to reduce the smell that emanates from your compost bin?
Yes! With the right composting practice, you can keep your compost bins from stinking like a decomposing animal.
While composting is a good gardening practice, a compost pile can very much turn your garden to a smelly yard; something every responsible gardener tries to avoid. Composting is a simple practice that can be as easy as taking out the trash. But it can be a whole lot difficult when the pile begins to stink and is almost impossible to keep the stink down.
You can compost almost anything that comes out of your kitchen. Leftover vegetables, fruits, food pieces, decomposing food, grass clippings, and any other thing you feel can be used as nutrients for your plants.
Most of the things we throw into the compost bin or pile will eventually begin to decay after a few days (or weeks). Once decay sets in, the compost pile begins to give off a pungent smell due to the activities of the micro-organism that builds up inside the pile.
While you can’t stop the activity of the micro-organisms, you can control the amount of stench that comes out of your compost.
Before I share with you a few good composting practices, let us first take a look at some of the reasons why your compost bin is giving off a strong stench.
The Compost is Too Compacted
When you pack your compost too tightly, it can make it difficult for air to circulate around the pile. Without enough oxygen in the pile, it becomes difficult for the micro-organisms to perform their function – which is to break down the compost. Without air, the bacteria cannot populate to speed up decomposition. The bacterium that is left in the pile begins to give off a foul smell that results in a smelly backyard or garden.
You need the microbes to settle properly into the compost pile so you need to ensure they have enough room to stay in. For your compost to be properly ventilated, you will need to ensure that you place it in an area where it can get enough ventilation. Avoid keeping the compost in a shady or damp area. Also, you want to ensure that there is enough space between piles to allow air to circulate. Too much of dense materials on top of each other will make it difficult for air to enter into the heart of things.
You can use a rake or pitchfork to turn the compost pile regularly to free up things inside the pile. This also helps to expose the bottom of the pile to some fresh air. This helps to reduce the smell when performed regularly.
Wet Compost Smells the Worst
When there is too much water in your compost, it can cause the pile to smell. More than when your compost is dry. For your compost to decay properly, it will have to be left outdoors under the sun, rain, and wind. These are three elements that are important for composting to take place. However, when there is an excess of any of the elements, it can affect the procedure negatively.
Too much water in your compost will make it difficult for the bacteria to get to work, and cause your backyard to smell. To drain excess water from your compost, you will need to keep it in an area where it can get direct access to sunlight. You should make it a habit of turning the compost pile once a week. This can help to circulate air and heat around the pile to keep the stench down.
Another reason why your compost smells so bad is because there are materials in the pile that aren’t supposed to be in there. Materials such as dairy products, meats, animal fat, and oils are not supposed to be a part of your compost pile.
The best rule to follow when placing materials in your compost pile is to make use of plant-based materials. This can seriously keep your compost bins from smelling. It also keeps dogs, cats, raccoons, and other rodents from sniffing out your compost bin.
Not Balancing the Greens and Browns
One of the best composting practices you need to follow to ensure your compost is rich is to use the right ratio of green and brown materials. Green materials are rich in nitrogen and include green leafy vegetables, and grass clippings; while the brown materials are rich in carbon and include straws and shredded newspaper.
When the green material in your compost is more than the browns, your compost smells like ammonia. This is a sign that you need to include more shredded newspaper, brown leaves, straw, and pine needles, to balance things out.
Layer your materials evenly, and don’t forget to use a rake to turn the compost once a week to allow for air and heat to get circulated around the pile.
FAQ’s
Can compost bins smell?
Compost bins can stink. This is a fact. The reason for the smell is that there are some bacteria in the bin that feed on the carbon and nitrogen in the food waste. The waste produces a gas, called methane, which smells of rotting meat. It also produces ammonia which can cause a skin rash and eye irritation. What should you do if you find your compost bin stinking? The best thing to do is to seal the compost bin with a lid. This will stop the air getting into the bin and it will help keep the smell down. If you don’t have a lid, try putting some charcoal in the bottom of the bin. This will help absorb the methane gas before it gets into the atmosphere.
What do they smell like?
The smell of compost is often compared to that of a flower garden, and for good reason. The essential oils released by plants during decomposition are very strong, and the same goes for compost. However, the odor is usually not noticeable until it gets going.
Most compost bins should smell like a mixture of decaying leaves, grass clippings and soil. If it smells different, there is likely something wrong with your bin. If the bin smells like a combination of rotten eggs and ammonia, you might have a problem with too much nitrogen in the mix.
Ammonia is a byproduct of decomposition that has a pungent odor. If you have too much nitrogen in your compost, you will likely see lots of green algae growing.
What determines the strength of the stink?
You may be wondering what the smell is that emanates from your bin. There are many factors that can affect the smell of your compost, and this can range from how much food you throw into the bin to how the temperature of the bin is set.
The type of compost bin you use, what you are composting and how long you have left your compost to decompose are also important factors.
How do I control the smell in my compost bin?
The first you can try is to get some air circulation. The easiest way to do this is to use a fan. I have one that runs on a small electric motor, and it makes a great breeze.
It takes up very little space and only needs to be plugged in when you use it. You can also try turning the pile occasionally, which helps to aerate it as well. You may have read that a number of people use borax in their compost bins. It is widely available and inexpensive and you may even find it at your local garden centre. Borax is an alkaline compound and will raise the pH of your compost.
How to Keep Compost From Smelling
A smelly compost pile can ruin anyone’s day. Luckily, you can do a few things to prevent this from happening to yours. Here are some tips you can follow to create rich, healthy soil for your garden without a foul smell:
Use a mixture of brown and green materials in your compost pile. Brown materials like dry leaves and straw provide carbon. Green materials like grass clippings and kitchen scraps provide nitrogen. A balance of these will prevent odors.
Keep your compost pile moist, but do not overwater it. If the pile is too dry, it may not decompose properly. This could lead to a bad smell. If it’s too wet, the compost can become anaerobic. This can also lead to unpleasant odors.
Turn your compost pile regularly. Aerating the pile helps oxygenate it and prevent odors from developing. You can turn the pile with a compost aerator or use a pitchfork. Keeping your compost pile in a well-ventilated area will also help.
Always add a layer of soil, finished compost, or other organic matter to the top of your compost heap. Doing this will help speed up the decomposition process and can prevent odors.
Never add meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost pile. These types of food can attract pests and cause a pile to smell.
Compost Odour Control: What to Do If Your Compost Heap Smells
There are several ways to control odors in a compost pile:
Maintain a Balance: If you have more green or brown material in your compost pile, add more of the one lacking.
Use a Compost Activator or Inoculant: An activator or inoculant can introduce beneficial microorganisms to your compost pile. These can break down the organic matter and reduce odors.
Cover Your Compost Pile: Cover your compost heap with a tarp or other cover to help retain moisture and heat. This will speed up decomposition and reduce odors.
What to Do If Your Compost Smells Like Ammonia
If your compost heap smells like ammonia, it may indicate that your pile is too wet and has become anaerobic. Anaerobic conditions cause the breakdown of organic matter to produce ammonia as a byproduct.
Here are a few things you can do to fix this problem:
Add dry materials: Mixing dry materials like leaves and straw into your compost heap can help absorb the excess moisture and improve the smell.
Add Lime: Adding a small amount of lime (calcium carbonate) to your compost pile can help neutralize the ammonia and reduce the smell.
Add Fresh Air: Aerating your compost pile will allow fresh air to circulate. This will improve oxygenation and reduce anaerobic conditions.
Compost Too Wet and Smells: How to Fix It
If your compost is too wet and has a smell, there are a few things you can do to fix this problem:
Start by monitoring the drainage of your compost pile. Ensure the pile is on a well-draining surface and that any water collecting around the base can drain away.
Turn the pile to improve oxygenation and distribute the moisture evenly.
Check the moisture level regularly to ensure your compost pile is moist but not soggy.
Add dry materials to absorb excess moisture.
By following these steps, you can remedy a too-wet and smelly compost pile to create rich, organic matter.
Lack of Microorganisms
Like we mentioned earlier, your compost needs the right population of microorganisms for breakdown to take place. When the population isn’t enough to support decay, the compost pile won’t heat up and begins to give off a foul stench.
You can support the growth of microorganisms in your compost by placing the compost bin on the ground. You can also speed things up by introducing organic soil or fresh compost to your bin. This will lead to the speedy formation of microorganisms and leads to a quick decomposition of your compost.
With the right composting practice, your compost pile shouldn’t smell. This you can encourage by simply
Ensuring that the compost isn’t compacted.
Keep the compost in an area where it can get direct access to sun, rain, and air.
Place your compost bin on the ground.
Use the right composting materials.
Balance the ratio of green and brown materials in the composting pile.
Use a lid to cover your compost bin when it rains heavily.
How do you keep your compost from smelling? We will like to hear from you in the comment section.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
When you’re into gardening, or just starting to get into it, one of the major issues you’re going to encounter is starting seeds. If you’re used to simply buying seedlings from a nearby nursery and don’t have the experience of starting seeds before, you’ll surely come across difficulties.
Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how hard it can be, especially if you don’t use the right seed starting mix. For that, I’m here to help you know how to choose the best organic seed starting mix for your garden.
But before we start, let us first have a quick overview of the seed starting mix.
What’s a Seed Starting Mix?
A seed starting mix helps a seed germinate to a seedling then to a full-grown plant. Though you might have been used to buying seedlings straight from a nursery, the problem is that they might have plant diseases which can ultimately affect their growth and overall health.
However, by growing them from seeds via a starting mix, you will be able to control the entire process and even make sure that they remain disease-free.
To choose the best organic seed starting mix, here are some tips I’d recommend you follow:
Choose a Lightweight Mix with Excellent Drainage
To make sure you get the best organic seedling mix, you’d want to go for one that is lightweight, has excellent water retention properties, and has good drainage. This is because good water retention will allow the roots of your seedlings to push through the soil and make sure they have enough room to allow growth.
It Should Contain the Right Ingredients
You also have to pay special attention to the elements that make up a seed starting mix before buying. This way, you can guarantee that your seeds will grow healthily without any issues. While the exact composition of a soil mix will be up to the manufacturer, there are several key ingredients you have to look for. They’re as follows:
Sphagnum Peat Moss
Sphagnum peat moss is considered one of the most important ingredients in a seed starting mix. In fact, most of the seed starting mixes you can find on the market contains this element which is highly absorbent and very lightweight, thereby allowing it to retain moisture which is necessary for your seeds.
Having this ingredient in your starting mix is quite beneficial if you tend to forget watering your plants on a regular basis. It also works best if you live in a dry region. The downside with the peat moss is that it will be a bit difficult to moisten.
Meanwhile, you can also opt for a coconut coir fiber as an alternative to peat moss. In fact, it’s been used in a lot of agricultural and horticultural applications. Like the peat moss, it’s also highly absorbent, capable of absorbing water up to 8 times its weight.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE is yet another key ingredient which is found in most potting mixes. It acts as a natural fertilizer which can effectively kill any insects that might affect your seeds, particularly during the germination period.
This ingredient is actually a naturally occurring mineral from fossilized plants known as diatoms. Apart from its neutralizing property, it also contains various minerals such as iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and silicon which are all helpful in germinating your plants.
Vermiculite
This ingredient will keep the mix moist, allowing your seeds to stay hydrated at all times. Due to that, it’s a vital ingredient which is found in most starting mixes. Like peat moss, it also saves you the trouble of having to water your seeds more often.
The last essential ingredient you should pay attention to is perlite. Despite having a styrofoam-like appearance, perlite is actually made of small natural volcanic mineral which is responsible for its aeration and water retention capabilities. Aside from that, perlite is also ideal for preventing the mix from compacting.
Take Note of its pH Level
A soil’s pH level is a measurement of how acidic or basic a soil is. If you’re in a region with low rainfall, you can expect your soil to have a high pH level. On the other hand, an area that receives more rainfall have soil with a lower pH level.
The best option is to go for a seedling mix that has a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.5. It’s because plants tend to grow best when planted in slightly acidic soil. However, if you’re from a region with low rainfall, you want to look for a seed starting mix which contains calcium and magnesium, or a soil mix with a pH level of around 5.6 to 5.9.
However, since the ingredients added in a starting mix tend to have varying pH levels, manufacturers usually add lime in order to adjust the soil’s overall pH. In general, you want to go for a soil mix with a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.5 to promote optimal germination and growth.
Always Go Organic
While there’s still an ongoing debate whether to go for an organic or conventional seedling mix, there’s also the fact the organic products are continuing to rise in popularity. Due to a large number of consumers going “green”, most manufacturers are also starting to make the shift.
However, there are those who claim that their products are organic despite them being non-organic. As such, you have to make sure you read the fine print first before you decide on a certain seed starting mix.
Additionally, you can check the packaging for the term “OMRI Listed”. This means that the ingredients contained in said starting mix were reviewed and approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute for organic use.
FAQ’s
How Much Should I Use?
In terms of volume, most seed starting mixes are either labeled as “standard” or “light”. A standard mix will contain more than enough nutrients and moisture to get a good start. However, it can become very heavy when you put it in a pot.
On the other hand, a light mix is not as rich, but it’s easy to add additional ingredients to adjust the nutritional content as needed. The basic ratio of a seed starting mix is 1 part seed starting mix to 4 parts potting mix. You can also add more fertilizer to the mix if you wish. You should have enough soil or compost to fill your container by about two-thirds. If you don’t have any, then you will need to buy some. You can use whatever you have on hand.
What should be the first thing to consider?
The first thing you need to think about is how you’re going to use the seed starting mix. The best way to determine this is to look at what you already have available.
If you have compost, soil, peat moss or other materials, then you may be able to use them for your seed starting mix. You can also make your own seed starting mix from scratch using whatever materials you have on hand.
Do they differ a lot?
Seed starter mixes are a great way to get started with growing your own seeds. There are many different seed starter mixes available, ranging from simple to complex and with various features to help you grow your seeds. When you buy a seed starter mix, it will be made up of a number of ingredients that all contribute to the function of the mix.
There are a few types of seed starting mixes, and each one has its pros and cons. If you’re just starting out, a standard potting soil mix will probably be all you need. There are a few things to consider when choosing a seed starting mix.
What is in seed starting mix?
Seed starting mix is a mixture of soil and fertilizer. This is the best mixture to start seeds. It is also known as seed starting medium or seed germination mix.
They are often composed of peat moss, vermiculite, sand, perlite and soil. The soil should be moistened. Germination mix is a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite. This is also known as seed starting medium. It is used to protect the seeds from being damaged by the soil.
Seed starting mixes usually contain seeds of different varieties, so you can compare the germination rates of your different varieties of seeds. Mulch Some seed starting mixes contain mulch. It is not necessary, but it does help your seedlings grow better. It also keeps the roots cool.
Conclusion
If you’re keen to the idea of growing your plants from seeds, then I highly recommend going for an organic seed starting mix. After all, the fact that you can do the entire germination process on your own can be a rewarding experience.
However, just make sure that you choose your seedling mix properly. Don’t forget to refer to the above tips when buying.
If you have any questions regarding starting mixes, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. As always, thanks for reading, and don’t forget to share it with your gardener friends.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
It was only recently that I realized the importance of strong compost bags. My last bunch of bags couldn’t hold all the compost waste that I had from my garden. I’m sure this is a problem a lot of you have experienced as well. Luckily, I found a possible solution to weak paper bags that I’d like to try out – the 30-gallon heavy-duty compost bags lowes.
Things You Need to Consider When Buying Compost Bags
Back then, I switched my plastic bags with biodegradable compost bags. It was only at that time that I realized the importance of being eco-friendly. Also, I liked the fact that paper bags can be decomposed along with the contents.
Of course, I had an issue with the durability of mainstream compost bags. A lot of them tore easily, resulting in all of the contents falling over. My garden, in particular, has a lot of wet sticks, dry twigs, plant matter, and leaves. Combine all of those and you’ll get some pretty heavy compost. With that, you need to be very meticulous when choosing the right compost bags. Here are a few things to consider:
Durability (being tear-resistant)
Size
Support
Foldability
Weight Capacity
Number of products in a pack
I would say that this is the ideal product for those who want to go green and get rid of plastics. For those who are more traditional and prefer plastic bags, this product might not be that attractive.
From researching what I should take into consideration when buying a compost bag, I came across one product that pretty much covers all of the criteria that I listed above. Lowe’s is a pretty well-known brand and can be pretty comparable to Biobags in terms of quality.
My favorite aspect of this bag is that it is completely durable and tear-resistant. The main pain point that I mentioned above was that most compost bags break easily. This bag, in particular, solves that main pain point of mine. Even though it is made out of paper, it doesn’t tear easily unlike other brown paper compost bags.
Here are a few pros and cons that I have discovered about the product. This allows us to get a more objective view of it:
Pros
The bottom is completely tear-resistant
Can stand on its own
Size as big as garbage cans
Can take 30-gallons of weight
Cons
On the pricey side
Not so sturdy at the top
Not flexible
Features and Benefits
Going deeper, let’s take a look at the features and benefits that you can take advantage. We’ll list them down here:
Durability and Strength
The main reason that I mentioned was that it was strong. The main reason for this is most likely because of its double-walled craft paper. There are two layers of paper surrounding the bag, making it good for storing both wet and dry compost.
Upright Standing
It was built to the shape of a perfect rectangle enabling it to stand perfectly upright when you put it on the ground. Most paper bags can’t stand upright and would most likely topple over if you add too many things inside. This one doesn’t though because the bottom area is extremely sturdy. The extra weight found at the bottom along with its symmetrical shape allows it to stand without much trouble. I find this a very convenient feature that ensures that my compost doesn’t fall over.
Size and Spaciousness
Another thing that you’ll notice is that it’s a pretty big sized bag. In fact, it is a 30 gallon-sized bag. However, you may want to take note of the dimensions as you might think that it is bigger than it really is. The dimensions of the product are at 16 x 12 x 2.1 inches with a weight capacity of 30 gallons. These dimensions are pretty impressive anyway, so you can put in a lot of compost inside.
Alternatives to the Main Product
Just to give you a clearer picture of this product, I’d like to also mention a couple of alternatives that are pretty comparable to this product. You can find them below:
The Home Depot compost bag is very similar to our main product being able to take 30-gallons of weight and is pretty much the same size. It can also stand by itself like Lowe’s product. While it can take dry material, it does have a hard time taking wet material if you keep it inside for too long.
Duro Bags is also a pretty good brand that has pretty much the same standing as Lowe’s. Like Lowe’s, it is able to stand upright, making it convenient for gardeners to keep at the side. One of the best things about this product is that it is covered with wet strength additives, allowing it to take about 50 pounds of weight. That’s 20 pounds more than Lowe’s paper bag. However, I have seen that customers still prefer the durability of Lowe’s.
The last on the list is the Biobag 33-Gallon compost bag. Biobag is one of the market leaders in the compost bags market, so it’s no surprise that it made the list of good alternatives. I could say that Biobag’s durability can match or maybe even slightly better than Lowe’s. It can be used for any kind of compost whether wet or dry. In fact, it has a leak-proof feature, allowing you to put a lot of wet compost inside without anything dripping out. Of course, it is more expensive than Lowe’s but can take 33 gallons of weight.
FAQ’s
Do Lowe’s Compost Bags work?
Lowe’s Home Improvement has a new product called the “Compost Bags”. They claim that these bags are a great way to reduce waste and keep your yard clean. You can use them to collect leaves and other yard debris, to store mulch or garden compost, to protect plants from rain and sun and to catch bugs and worms.
Lowe’s has announced that they will be discontinuing the use of plastic bags in favor of compostable bags, so you would imagine that they would invest a lot of resources in making sure that they work.
Yes, the compost bags work! I have used them for years to make my own compost. And I am very pleased with the results. The bag itself is a great product and easy to use. I would recommend them to anyone who wants to make their own compost. They are very affordable. What are they made of? The bag is made of recycled plastic bottles. It is a very strong and durable bag.
I would highly recommend this product. I have been using a large compost bag for a few years now. The bag is easy to use, I just put in a bunch of wood chips (or whatever you like) and cover it up with dirt. After a month or so, I turn the pile over and let the worms eat away at it. Then I use it as mulch. Works great!
What are they made of?
The bag is made of recycled plastic bottles. It is a very strong and durable bag.
The only problem is that they can be hard to use when I need to transport a large load of organic material.
The bins are lined with a plastic or metal liner and have a lid that goes on top.
Is it worth it?
These compostable bags come in a variety of sizes. It’s not just the bags either, they also come with their own bin. They are very popular and are considered to be the go-to brand for many compost interested people.
I use the medium size ones for my kitchen scraps. The bags are very well made and the lid is nice and tight. They seem to hold a lot of material, but not too much.
For many people the price was just too high and it’s hard to justify buying them, particulary for those who already had a good compost bin.
Are they sold internationally?
Their bags are sold in the UK and online, as well as at major retail stores, such as John Lewis, Homebase, Argos and Poundland. They have a wide variety of compost bags for sale, including compost bins, green waste bags and multi-purpose compost bags.
Conclusion
I would really recommend that you click here to check out this product if you’re a gardener. It helps you have an eco-friendlier garden while giving you the benefit of a strong and durable bag. At the same time, you get a big sized bag that can take a lot of weight.
Josephine is an enthusiastic gardener who loves to spend her spare time tending to her garden. She is passionate about growing her own food, and aspires to one day have her own vegetable garden. Josephine is also an animal lover and often takes in stray cats and dogs. She enjoys spending time with her pets in the garden, and is often seen playing with them or watering her plants. Josephine is an avid reader and enjoys learning about new gardening techniques and plants. She is always looking for ways to improve her garden and make it more beautiful. She is a great friend, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Josephine‘s passion for gardening and love of animals make her a wonderful addition to any garden.
