If you’re an avid gardener, chances are you already know many of the best things to compost for your garden, but for those of you who are new to gardening or composting, hopefully this list will help you out. Composting is not only great for the environment since it makes use of common food waste, but it also provides organic fuel for your soil and plants. The best things to compost include many everyday food scraps but there are also many other things to compost that might surprise you. Just be careful - not everything is “compost material” so to be safe, stick with the best things to compost so your plants can look their best!
1. Juice Pulp
Juicing has become quite the health trend these days and juice pulp is actually one of the best things to compost. Just save your pulp scraps in a Ziploc bag and keep it in your fridge so it doesn’t start to smell and then use to fertilize your soil with it at the end of each week.
2. Egg Shells
Any egg lovers out there? Great news - egg are good for you and your garden! Using egg shells to fertilize soil is one of the oldest tricks in the book since they contain many vitamins and minerals the soil can use as prime fuel for plants.
3. Coffee Grounds
No need to toss those messy coffee grounds in the garbage – plants love the organic acids coffee contains. The pH balance (acid vs. alkaline balance) makes a tremendous difference between your plants thriving or starving. Coffee contains just the right amount of minerals and acids that help your plants grow faster and look healthier. Who knew plants love their cup of Joe each day too?
4. Tea Bags
Along with coffee, toss your old tea bags or loose leaf tea grounds into your compost pile too. The nutrients in herbal and black tea are very nourishing to Mother Nature and to you!
5. Lawn Clippings
Mowing the lawn? Good for you! Just don’t toss those lawn clippings, they make wonderful food for the soil. It’s pretty awesome that you can recycle just about everything nature gives you, including those stubborn weeds and grass cuttings.
6. Cooked Rice
Okay, so you don’t have to cook up a bunch of rice to feed to your plants but if you have any leftovers, don’t toss them! White, brown, or black rice are all great options depending on which ones you love and use.
7. Peanut Shells
Peanut shells and most all nut shells are also great to compost due to certain nutrients they contain. Plus, buying nuts in their shell is actually cheaper than buying them shelled so you waste less all the way.
8. Bread Crust
If you’re all about crustless sandwiches, then put those crusts to use by composting them! Soil loves most any type of grain so don’t worry about what type of bread to choose. Though sprouted grain is best for you, your plants aren’t too picky!
9. Date Pits
Making homemade energy bars? Don’t spend the extra few dollars to buy pitted dates - pit them yourself and put those pits to use! Just slice the dates open with a knife, pull out the pit and you’re done!
Some of the worst things to compost include cooking oil, walnuts, dead plants, and most baked goods since these things contain certain toxins and spoil easier than some of the items above. It’s never a good idea just to toss anything into your compost pile. Most things should be fine but for a complete list of things to avoid, visit the resources below. Do you compost and if so, what do you compost with?
Sources: mnn.com, plantea.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kitchen scraps can I compost easily?
- You can compost vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells for a rich soil mix.
- Are meat and dairy products safe to compost?
- It's best to avoid composting meat and dairy as they can attract pests and cause odors.
- Can I compost yard waste like leaves and grass clippings?
- Yes, leaves and grass clippings are excellent carbon and nitrogen sources for your compost pile.
- Is it okay to compost paper and cardboard?
- Non-glossy paper and cardboard are great compost materials as they add carbon to the mix.
- How do coffee grounds benefit my compost?
- Coffee grounds add nitrogen, which helps speed up the decomposition process and enriches soil nutrients.
- Can I compost dead flowers and houseplants?
- Yes, dead flowers and non-diseased houseplants are perfect for composting and add valuable organic matter.
- Should I compost pet waste?
- It's not recommended to compost pet waste as it can contain harmful pathogens that are unsafe for gardens.
- How often should I turn my compost pile?
- Turning your compost every 1-2 weeks helps aerate it and speeds up decomposition.
- Can I compost citrus peels?
- Yes, you can compost citrus peels but in moderation since they are acidic and may slow down composting if added excessively.
- What's the best way to balance greens and browns in compost?
- Mix equal parts nitrogen-rich greens like vegetable scraps and carbon-rich browns like dried leaves for optimal composting.