When it comes to composting citrus, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding whether or not it’s okay to toss those orange, lemon, and lime peels into the compost bin. Some gardeners swear by it, while others avoid it like the plague. So, what's the deal? Well, it turns out that there are certain times when it's a “go” and others when it’s a “no go.” 

In this blog, we’ll dive into the myths, pros, cons, and best practices for using citrus in compost so you can get it right!

1. Myths About Composting Citrus Peels

Citrus Peels Are Too Acidic for Compost

Many gardeners believe that the acidity of citrus peels will lower the pH of compost and harm plants, but the pH neutralizes during the decomposition process.

Citrus Peels Take Too Long to Decompose

It’s true that citrus peels decompose more slowly than other materials, but by chopping into smaller pieces they break down faster, becoming part of the compost mix.

Adding Too Much Citrus Will Stop Composting

While too much citrus can cause some temporary imbalance, small amounts added over time can improve compost quality without causing compost breaks or slowing the process.

Citrus Peels Cause Unpleasant Odors

Citrus peels can deter pests due to their strong scent and, when managed properly, won’t cause odor problems in a healthy compost pile.

Citrus Peels Attract Pests and Fruit Flies

While citrus peels have a strong scent, they actually help keep pests like fruit flies away.

2. Pros of Adding Citrus Peels to Compost

Nutrient-Rich: Citrus peels are packed with nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients that support plant growth and improve the quality of compost mix.

Pest Deterrent: The strong scent of citrus peels helps keep unwanted pests and insects at bay, which is particularly useful in preventing issues like fruit flies or scavengers in compost piles.

Improved Compost Mix: While citrus peels are initially acidic, they naturally neutralize over time, and their acidity won’t significantly affect the overall pH of the compost mix when added in moderation.

Supports Soil Health: In moderation, citrus peels, like many organic materials, contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are beneficial for soil fertility. Citrus peels also improve soil structure by enhancing water retention in sandy soils and boosting drainage in clay soils, helping to create a more balanced and fertile environment for plant growth.

Helps Suppress Weeds: Citrus peels are known to inhibit the growth of weed seeds because of their natural acidity, which prevents germination and reduces invasive weed growth in raised garden beds.

3. Cons of Adding Citrus Peels to Compost

Slow Decomposition: Citrus peels decompose more slowly than other organic materials like vegetable scraps or grass clippings, which can extend the overall decomposition process. This is why the Vego Garden composter is a great option to speed up the decomposition process.

Harmful to Worms in Vermicomposting: The acidity and essential oils in citrus peels can be harmful to worms in vermicomposting systems, so it’s best to avoid adding citrus to the worm bin.

Acidic pH: While the pH neutralizes over time, adding too much citrus can temporarily lower the pH of compost mix, potentially affecting its balance and slowing down decomposition if not managed properly.

Room for Imbalance: If not properly balanced with brown materials like dry leaves or wood chips, the high moisture content of citrus peels can disrupt the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and lead to slower composting.

Final Thoughts

So, is citrus in compost a “go” or “no-go”? The answer really depends on how you handle it. In the end, composting citrus peels can definitely be a good move if you’re mindful of how much you’re adding and how you balance it with other materials. They bring some great benefits, like boosting nutrients, deterring pests, and helping to suppress weeds. Just keep in mind that they decompose a bit slower and need a little extra care to avoid upsetting your compost balance. If you follow the best practices—like chopping them into small pieces and balancing with dry materials—citrus peels can be a valuable addition to your compost pile!