“I’m trying to improve my composting methods, but I’m having trouble decomposing tougher food scraps like avocado pits, corn cobs, and citrus peels. What are some effective methods to speed up their decomposition? I’m based in Seattle, Washington.” Thanks, Jeff, Seattle, USA.
What Is The Best Way To Decompose Tough Food Scraps?
Hey Jeff, it’s a common challenge that many gardeners face. Those tougher food scraps can take much longer to break down compared to softer, more readily decomposed materials. But don’t worry, there are several strategies you can employ to make sure those stubborn bits don’t end up lingering in your compost pile for what feels like forever. Let’s go through some effective methods to help you out.
Understanding the Problem
First, let’s talk about why tough food scraps are difficult to decompose. These items typically have thick, fibrous structures which make it harder for composting microorganisms to break them down. Avocado pits, corn cobs, and citrus peels are all notorious for their durability. However, with a little extra effort, you can make these materials more manageable for your composting system.
Pre-Treatment of Scraps
One of the easiest and most effective ways to speed up the decomposition of tough food scraps is by pre-treating them before adding to your compost pile:
- Chopping or Grinding: Breaking down the scraps into smaller pieces increases the surface area, making it easier for microorganisms to do their job. You can use a knife, blender, or even a dedicated compost grinder.
- Freezing and Thawing: Freezing these scraps helps to break down their cell walls. When you thaw them out, they’ll be softer and easier to compost.
Using High-Temperature Composting
If your compost pile reaches higher temperatures, it can help in breaking down tougher materials. Maintaining a hot compost pile involves balancing green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials, monitoring moisture, and turning the pile regularly:
- Balance Greens and Browns: Make sure you have a good mix of nitrogen-rich greens like kitchen scraps and carbon-rich browns like leaves and cardboard. This helps generate the heat needed for hot composting.
- Monitor Moisture: A compost pile should feel like a damp sponge. Too much or too little moisture can slow down the decomposition process.
- Turn the Pile: Turning your compost pile helps to aerate it and distribute heat evenly, accelerating the breakdown of tough scraps.
Using Vermicomposting
Adding worms to your composting system can be incredibly effective. Worms like red wigglers are excellent at breaking down organic material, including tough food scraps. Here’s how you can make the most of vermicomposting:
- Create a Worm Bin: A well-ventilated bin with bedding material like shredded newspaper or coconut coir makes an ideal home for worms.
- Introduce Red Wigglers: These worms are particularly good at breaking down tougher materials. You can purchase them online or from gardening stores.
- Feed Appropriately: While worms can handle tough food scraps, a diverse diet will keep them healthy and more efficient. Rotate between easy-to-break-down materials and tougher scraps.
Accelerators and Additives
Using certain additives can help speed up decomposition. These include:
- Compost Accelerators: These commercially available products contain beneficial microbes that speed up breakdown processes.
- Crushed Eggshells: Eggshells add calcium to the compost and also help create a coarser texture, aiding decomposition.
- Coffee Grounds: These add nitrogen and help in creating a richer compost.
Aerating the Compost Pile
Aeration is key to decomposition. Making sure your pile gets enough oxygen helps the aerobic microorganisms thrive, which in turn speeds up the process. Here are some tips on improving aeration:
- Turn the Compost Regularly: Use a pitchfork or a compost aerator tool to turn the pile every few weeks.
- Layering: Create alternating layers of green and brown materials. This structure allows for better airflow.
- Aeration Devices: Some compost bins come with built-in aeration systems, or you can add PVC pipes with holes drilled in them to your compost pile.
Moisture Management
An often-overlooked aspect of effective composting is moisture management. Ensuring the right level of moisture will help speed up the process:
- Check Regularly: The compost should be damp, not soaking wet. If it’s too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, add more brown materials to absorb excess moisture.
- Cover the Pile: Using a tarp or a compost cover can help retain moisture and heat, thus aiding in faster decomposition.
Patience and Consistency
Even with all these methods, remember that composting is a natural process that takes time. Consistency in managing your compost pile will yield the best results. Regularly check on it, turn it, and adjust its composition as needed.
An added tip: if you find these methods still leave you with some undigested scraps, consider sifting your compost. Use a compost screen to separate finished compost from larger pieces, which can then be returned to the pile to continue breaking down.
Restarting or refreshing your compost system can also be beneficial. Sometimes a compost pile can become so saturated with certain types of materials that it gets “stuck.” Giving it a good mix and adding a fresh batch of green and brown materials can re-invigorate the process.
Final Thoughts…
Thanks for sending in your question, Jeff. Decomposing tough food scraps does require a bit more effort, but the rewards are worthwhile. By chopping or grinding scraps, maintaining a hot compost pile, considering vermicomposting, using compost accelerators, and managing air and moisture levels, you can speed up the breakdown of those stubborn materials.
Stick with it, and you’ll soon be rewarded with rich, fertile compost that your garden will thrive on. Happy composting!
