Citrus Peels Compost: Turning Waste into Gold

When life gives you lemons, don't just make lemonade. Make compost out of it!

What is Citrus Peels Compost?

Citrus peels compost is a type of organic fertilizer made from the discarded peels of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Instead of throwing away these peels, they can be used to make a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can benefit your garden or plants.

The citrus peels are chopped up into small pieces and mixed with other organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. Over time, the mixture breaks down and decomposes, creating a rich soil amendment that is full of beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, and minerals.

Why Use Citrus Peels Compost?

There are several reasons why using citrus peels compost can be beneficial for your garden or plants:

1. Saves Money: Making your own compost from citrus peels and other organic materials can save you money on buying expensive chemical fertilizers.
2. Improves Soil Health: Compost adds organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and water-holding capacity. It also encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms, which help break down organic matter and make nutrients more available to plants.
3. Reduces Waste: Using citrus peels to make compost helps divert waste from landfills where it would otherwise contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Increases Yield: Compost can improve plant growth and yield by providing a steady supply of nutrients that are slowly released over time.

How to Make Citrus Peels Compost

Making citrus peels compost is easy and can be done in a few simple steps:

1. Collect Citrus Peels: Collect the discarded peels from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Try to remove as much of the fruit flesh and seeds as possible.
2. Chop Into Small Pieces: Chop the citrus peels into small pieces using a knife or food processor. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will break down.
3. Add Other Organic Materials: Mix the chopped citrus peels with other organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps. Aim for a ratio of about three parts brown material (leaves, twigs) to one part green material (grass clippings, kitchen scraps).
4. Moisten: Add water to the mixture until it is moist but not soaking wet. Too much water can cause the compost to become anaerobic (deprived of oxygen) and smell bad.
5. Turn Regularly: Turn the compost regularly (about once a week) to aerate it and speed up decomposition. If you have a compost bin, use a pitchfork or compost turner to mix the materials. If you are making a pile, use a shovel to turn it over.
6. Wait: Wait for the compost to decompose fully. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the temperature, moisture, and size of the compost pile.
7. Use: Once the compost has decomposed fully, it can be used as a soil amendment in your garden or potted plants.

Tips for Using Citrus Peels Compost

Here are some tips for using citrus peels compost in your garden or plants:

• Don't use too much: While citrus peels compost can be a great fertilizer, it should be used in moderation. Too much can make the soil too acidic and harm your plants.
• Mix with other compost: Mixing citrus peels compost with other types of compost can create a well-rounded soil amendment that provides a variety of nutrients.
• Avoid using on acid-loving plants: Citrus peels compost can raise the pH of the soil, so it's best to avoid using it on acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
• Store properly: Store unused citrus peels compost in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming moldy or attracting pests.

The Bottom Line

Turning citrus peels into compost is a simple and effective way to reduce waste, save money, and improve the health of your garden or plants. By following a few simple steps, you can turn what would otherwise be trash into treasure, and enjoy the benefits of a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will help your plants thrive.

Lemon peels, orange peels, grapefruit peels, composting, organic gardening, soil health

A pile of lemon peels being composted

An orange being composted

A grapefruit being composted