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JenBown
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 21
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 8:06 am Post subject: Orange peels in pile? |
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I think I read somewhere not to put orange peels into the compost pile, but I can't find it anywhere now. Is it OK to put peels in?
Thanks. |
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Mr. Clean
Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Posts: 708
Location: Garland, Texas
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| Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 8:52 am Post subject: |
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| I have read in the past that one shouldn't use excessive amounts of citrus peelings when vermicomposting, but I have no problems with them in my pile. We add lots of citrus (lemons, orange, grapefruit) to our pile without a problem. (We are not vermicomposting) |
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CaptainCompostAL
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 876
Location: Irondale,Alabama
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| Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:25 am Post subject: |
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Composting in any form is all about balance and moderation.
In theory, you can add any plant or animal matter in a compost pile, as long you have constant moisturization and aeration, and usually at least 2-3 times more good "regular" or "normal" compostable greens and browns in the mixture, in order to keep the microherd alive and healthy in the pile. |
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Mr. Clean
Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Posts: 708
Location: Garland, Texas
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| Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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CaptainCompostAL wrote: Composting in any form is all about balance and moderation.
Cap'n, Would you really call composting on your scale moderation. :lol:
Compared to you, my composting is in moderation.
CaptainCompostAL wrote:
In theory, you can add any plant or animal matter in a compost pile, as long you have constant moisturization and aeration, and usually at least 2-3 times more good "regular" or "normal" compostable greens and browns in the mixture, in order to keep the microherd alive and healthy in the pile.
I like that microherd term. Reminds me of the theme to the old Rawhide TV series. "head 'em up, move out...keep those microbes movin' Rawhide. Through rain and wind and weather... 8)
The great thing about composting is I treat my pile as a tool; a digesting tool. I don't really worry about balancing greens and browns. I aerate my pile in sections when I add new materials. I add a little water as I rinse my containers when I empty them. I try to keep my pile covered with straw most of the year. That seems to help maintain the moisture levels. And then I stand back and letter Mother Nature do the rest. Sometimes the pile gets really big, and then next thing you know it's back down. It has worked wonderfully in this manner for the past 10 years. Of course, I'm not harvesting like the Cap'n does, nor do I run the volume of materials. |
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JenBown
Joined: 26 Mar 2004
Posts: 21
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 2:21 pm Post subject: |
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| Makes sense. Thanks Mr. Clean and CaptainCompostAL! |
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CaptainCompostAL
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 876
Location: Irondale,Alabama
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| Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 2:21 pm Post subject: |
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Well said, Mr. Clean!
Happy Composting to all! |
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