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COMPOSTING WASTE

BANANA PEELS

Banana peels will decompose, as most plant materials will, in a compost pile. However, decomposition is faster if peels are cut into fine pieces.
 

COMPOST - CITRUS PEELS

Citrus peels may take several years to decompose in a compost pile due to their high concentration of citrus oils. The smaller the pieces, the faster the decomposition.
 

COMPOST--EGG SHELLS

Crushed eggs shells can be added to a compost pile, if washed. Shells are a high source of calcium and beneficial to the soil.
 

COMPOSTING--AERATION

Air is needed for composting bacteria to thoroughly break down plant material. Aeration can be accomplished by regular turnings of the compost pile, preferably weekly. A pitch fork or spading fork can be used to turn a pile.

Plastic perforated pipes can be laid throughout the pile to increase air movement.

If the temperature of a pile drops, the compost needs either moisture or aeration.
 

COMPOSTING--BIN SIZE

Ideal compost sizes range from 3x3x3 to 5x5x5 feet. Smaller piles will not generate the heat necessary for plant material to decompose. Larger piles are harder to manage and may not decompose uniformly.
 

COMPOSTING--FERTILIZING

Fertilizer is needed for organic matter to properly decompose. Aerobic bacteria use nitrogen to multiply and break down the organic material.

A couple cups or handfuls of a complete garden fertilizer such as a 10-10- 10, 12-12-12 or 15-15-15 should be added to the compost pile regularly.

Avoid overfertilizing which can kill the decomposing bacteria.
 

COMPOSTING--HERBICIDES

Grass clippings can be composted if weed killers or herbicides have been applied. Herbicides on the market will decompose within a matter of months and not affect the final product.
 

COMPOSTING--LAWN WEEDS

Lawn weeds, like other plant material, will decompose in a compost pile. Weeds sprayed with herbicides can also be composted with no fear of plant damage from the finished compost.
 

COMPOSTING--LIMESTONE

Old compost recipes called for the addition of limestone when creating the pile. Research has shown that the finished compost has a pH approaching 7. Limestone needs only be added if the compost contains acidic plant material such as evergreen needles.
 

CHARCOAL ASHES

Ashes from charcoal grills should NOT be added to compost or garden soils due to the chemicals used in the briquette bonding. Ashes should be discarded properly in landfills or driveways. See also ashes

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See also Compost,  Mulch
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