Can You Compost Citrus Peels: An Expert's Answer
There is a popular opinion among summer residents that orange, tangerine and lemon peels should not be added to the compost heap.
It is believed that such components contain substances that “repel” earthworms.
In addition, some gardeners are sure that citrus peels take a very long time to decompose and also make organic fertilizer too “acidic”.
There are summer residents who do not like the presence of “chemicals” in fruits.
All these opinions were commented on by the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
Can citrus peels be part of compost?
The specialist notes: the peels of oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits and other citrus fruits can be sent to the compost pit.
Contrary to popular belief, this waste does not have any negative impact on earthworms.
Yes, citrus peels take a long time to decompose. But the problem can be solved by shredding the peels before adding them to the compost.
Statements about the serious "acidity" of orange and tangerine peels are not true. In order for the problem to really make itself known, you need a lot of such waste, literally tens of kilograms. It is unlikely that a summer resident will use such a quantity.
There is no need to worry about "chemistry" either. Yes, in some cases chemical treatment of fruits before their sale is actually carried out. But to clean the fruit, it is enough to simply pour clean water over it.
