Category: Soils & Plant Nutrients

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. 

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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. 

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:

• • Cow manure 
  • Kitchen waste compost 
  • Worm composting 
  • Mulch 
  • Poultry manure 
  • Potting soil 

Is Mushroom Soil Good For Potatoes?

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.
Remember that you cannot use mushroom compost for acid-loving plants. And you should also source your mushroom compost from organic farms that do not use toxic chemicals as insect repellants. 
Have you tried mushroom compost before? We will like to hear about your experience in the comment section.

FAQ’s

We get emails from our readers who ask how they can safely compost in their apartment buildings. 
We’d like to commend you for making the decision to become eco-friendly and go zero waste. 
You may be uncertain about how to go about composting indoors if you’ve never made compost before. In this article, we will be sharing with you a guide on how to compost in an apartment.

Why You Should Compost 

Kitchen scraps make up more than 35% of the waste in the average American garbage bin. These scraps are rich materials that can be used in composting to provide nutrients for backyard gardens and indoor plants. When the trash from your home is carried by the garbage truck, they end up in landfills that lack oxygen. These encourage the release of methane gas which is stronger than carbon-di-oxide and not good for the environment. 
Organic and inorganic waste has been found to have been in the same form since the 1950s. Getting kitchen scraps out of our waste bins and using them to make fertilizers for plants will save the environment a great deal. 

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You might be thinking that having a compost bin indoors will make your apartment to smell. This is not true. The reason your trash bin smells is the mixture of the organic and inorganic waste inside of the bin. When you throw sausages, orange peels, tomato paste, eggshells, and the rest things that get into your trash away. They do not get easily decomposed becomes of the differences in materials. This slows down the decay process of the organic materials which in combination with the heat generated inside the bin, makes it smell.  
You can result in apartment composting to help contribute to reducing poisonous gas emissions. 
Below are some of the ways you can compost inside your house. 

How to Compost in an Apartment 

• Use a Worm Composter 

Vermicomposting also referred to as worm composters are a good composting option. They are portable, easy to use, and efficient in processing organic waste into worm tea which is then fed as nutrients to indoor plants. With a worm composter, you save yourself the stress of turning the pile like in the traditional composting. The worms are responsible for turning the waste and speeding up the rate of decomposition. All you need to do is to ensure the conditions are in place for them to flourish. 
You can make your own indoor composter by putting holes in a plastic bag and filling a third of it with wet newspaper and throw your food scraps into it. Ensure that you shred the newspaper or any other paper you intend to recycle. The holes need to be drilled at the top of the bag for ventilation and at the bottom for drainage. For best results and less work, you can stack piles of plastic bags with holes in them to allow the worms to easily access the newly deposited waste. It also makes it easier for you to harvest the fresh compost from the bottom of the pile. 

You can purchase ready-made composters to use on your indoor plants. They help to save you the time of making compost but provide you with worm tea for your plant. When shopping for a worm composter, you should ensure that it has the right mechanism to collect already made nutrient. A well-designed worm composter ensures that the decomposition is odorless. 
Worms like the red wigglers are some of the widely used worms for composting and can be easily purchased for use. It is important that you note that to get the best out of using a worm composter, you need to meet certain conditions such as 

1. You need to ensure that you keep the indoor temperature between 40 and 80°F. Worms don’t thrive in freezing conditions; neither should they be kept in direct sunlight or rain. 
2. For your composter to work perfectly, you need to provide enough nitrogen sources. Shredded newspapers are good examples of inorganic substances to include in your compost. 
3. When making use of a tote bag system, you need to ensure you keep things neat by stacking bags up in a pile. This helps to make things easy for the worms to perform their duties and for you to collect the nutrients. 
4. Lastly, ensure that the worms are constantly fed with kitchen scrap. 

• Use a Compost Tumbler 

Compost tumblers are another good choice for apartment composting. If you stay in a block of flat or building with an accessible rooftop or balcony, you can keep a compost tumbler for your personal use. These compost tumblers are completely sealed to help trap in the heat that is produced by the compost. This helps to speed the rate of decomposition. 
Compost tumblers are designed with handles and turning systems that make it easy to mix the materials. This creates enough air circulation ensuring the compost is aerated. If you are looking for a quick method to convert kitchen waste to fertilizer, you can opt for a compost tumbler. They can process your kitchen waste in 2 weeks. You also get to avoid the common pest problems associated with composting since the tumblers are sealed. This makes this a good option if you reside in urban areas with little tolerance for rodents. 

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They also don’t give off a foul odor and is a clean method of processing kitchen waste. The only downside is that you cannot keep them indoors and need to be kept close to you. Rooftops and balconies are a good place to keep them. You will have to create a temporary collection system before transferring the waste to the tumbler. You can use a ceramic or stainless steel pail to store your kitchen waste before transferring it to the compost tumbler. 
There are compost tumblers that come in different shapes and sizes. You can easily find one that can fit into a small area close to your apartment. Compost tumblers are best kept in areas you can easily have access to. You shouldn’t keep it on a rooftop you can enter freely. Also, if you can, it is best that you get a compost tumbler with dual compartments. This makes it easier to compost more waste. 

• Use Private Collection Centers 

You can search around for private businesses around you that collect compost. In most cases, these businesses offer their services to neighbors to help collect their kitchen waste for a fee and return an amount of fresh compost in return. This way you are disposing of your waste in return for compost at a small price. 
This is a good method if you are not interested in composting but still need your waste to be used in providing extra nutrients for plants. But it is important that you know that it will cost you more to use a collection than have a composter indoors. The good part of using a collection center is that you do not get yourself involved with any of the mess associated with composting.  

Best Materials to Use in Indoor Composting 

What Are the Materials You Can Use in Your Apartment Compost? 

You should know that you can’t just toss anything you want inside your compost bin. This is because you don’t want to have to deal with having smelly compost inside your apartment. The stench can be unbearable and is also unhealthy for you. This is why you need to take into consideration the things you toss into your compost bin.
The best method to adopt when selecting materials to add to your compost bin is to make the inorganic materials slightly more than the organic materials. Fruit and vegetable waste are rich in nitrogen which is needed to combine with the carbon-rich newspapers to speed up decomposition. This also helps to ensure that the compost bin doesn’t smell. 
You can check the list below for the nitrogen and carbon-rich content that you can compost in your apartment 
Organic/Nitrogen Rich Materials 

• Tea leaves 
• Seaweed 
• Kelp 
• Lawn grass clippings 
• Weeds
• Green leaves 
• Garden plants 
• Flowers 
• Coffee grounds 

Inorganic/Carbon Rich Materials

• Pellets 
• Wood chips 
• Wood ash 
• Hay 
• Straw
• Shredded newspaper 
• Sawdust 
• Brown leaves 
• Corn cobs 
• Cardboard
• Eggshells 
• Peat moss
• Shredded brown paper bag 
• Branches 

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FAQs

What to Do with Excess Compost 

If you only have a few indoor plants or a small garden that doesn’t end up using all the compost you produce, you can easily give them out for use. You can take them to the farmer’s market or donate them at your local community garden. You can ask around for gardeners who are interested in fresh compost. They will be more than willing to compensate you for your efforts. 
We are practically certain that you have learned a few tips on how to compost in an apartment. If you have any further questions or will like to add a few tips, we will be glad to hear from you in the comment section. 
 

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. 

Learn How To Make a Homemade Compost Catalyst

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. 

Check these 5 Best Urban Compost Tumblers

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. 

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06/21/2026 10:05 pm GMT

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. 

Wrong Composting Materials

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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

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:

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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:

1. 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. 
2. Turn the pile to improve oxygenation and distribute the moisture evenly. 
3. Check the moisture level regularly to ensure your compost pile is moist but not soggy.
4. 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. 

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. 

Lowe’s 30 Gallon Heavy Duty Compost Bag

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:

• Home Depot 30 Gallon Paper Compost Bag

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 50 Gallon Paper Compost Bag

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. 

• Biobag 33 Gallon Compost Bag 

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

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.