Orange Peels for Garden CompostingOrange Peels for Garden Composting Enhancing plant health and productivity is a common goal for gardeners. Fertilizing the garden can be costly, leading to the search for affordable alternatives. One such option is using common kitchen scraps. Can Orange Peels Be Used in Compost? Yes, orange peels are beneficial to add to compost heaps. They are a rich source of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Benefits of Orange Peels in Compost: * They contribute to creating fertile soil. * They are ideal for acid-loving plants, such as potatoes, blueberries, and azaleas. * They help break down other organic materials in the compost. * They deter pests, such as cats and rats. How to Add Orange Peels to Compost: 1. Remove any excess pulp or juice from the peels. 2. Chop the peels into small pieces to aid decomposition. 3. Add the peels to the compost heap in moderation, as they can take longer to break down. 4. Cover the peels with other organic matter, such as leaves or grass clippings. Additional Tips: * Avoid adding large amounts of orange peels at once, as they can create an acidic environment. * Orange peels can also be used as a soil amendment. * They are an affordable and accessible fertilizer source. * By using orange peels in compost, gardeners can reduce waste and save on fertilizer expenses.
Fertilising the garden is frequently cited as one of the best actions a gardener can take for boosting plant health and productivity. Better fertilisation often results in larger blooms, a more bountiful harvest, and generally healthier plants.
However, obtaining high-quality fertiliser can sometimes be pricey. In response to this issue, gardeners have suggested using a common kitchen scrap item to both save money and minimize household waste.
Kitchen waste is a universal problem every household faces, regardless of whether earnest attempts to consume all food before spoilage – particularly when the waste is from plant-based foods.
READ MORE: Best and worst holiday parks named with Butlins, Centre Parcs and Pontins all in the list
In a bid to reduce waste, one green-fingered individual queried whether she could use orange peels in her garden and if the citrus waste would be beneficial for her plants, reports the Express.
Posting her questions on the Gardening UK Facebook page, Angela Knight said: “Hi, I have a few compost questions. Can I put orange peel in the compost bin? I eat loads of oranges but as I never knew if you could I tend to throw the peel away.
“I know you can’t put onions, cooked food and meat in, but is there anything else you shouldn’t put in the compost bin?”
Members of the online community overwhelmingly supported the addition of orange peels to the compost. Louise Gallagher said: “I always add oranges and onion! Not had any problems.”
Mabel Walker said: “I put all uncooked veg and fruit peel, onions and orange banana peel, buckets of unwashed seaweed in and shredded paper and cardboard.”
Orange peels can be added to compost(Image: (Image: Getty))
Brian Corr said: “I have always put onions and also orange, lime and lemon peels in and it’s never been an issue for me. It’s helped my plants greatly and has deterred rats and cats from my garden.”
The aroma of oranges acts as a superb and harmless deterrent for felines that often use gardens as a toilet. Emma Kelsall said: “We put it all in our compost. The only thing I avoid is anything cooked.”
Chris Taylor said: “Orange peel is brilliant to add to compost as it breaks down it releases phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium.
“Every plant needs as much of these nutrients as it can get to thrive. I put the skins of oranges in my compost every day. The family love fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast.”
Gardeners are advised that one of the best uses for orange peels is to include them in the compost heap. After two years, the peels will begin to decompose.
Rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, these elements contribute to creating fertile soil once they break down. Due to their acidic nature, they are ideal for acid-loving plants such as potatoes, blueberries, and azaleas.
Oranges are an affordable purchase from local supermarkets, with a pack of five costing 95p at Tesco, Asda, and Aldi, equating to just 19p per orange.
If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here
