Homesteading, Gardening, and Off-Grid Living

Category: Composting

  • How to Compost Cardboard Boxes and Paper the Easy Way

    How to Compost Cardboard Boxes and Paper the Easy Way

    Composting cardboard is a great way to get rid of old boxes that are taking up space in your home. Composting is environmentally friendly because it keeps the boxes and other paper products out of the landfill. They turn into nutrient rich hummus that you can use in your garden. They don’t release any harmful…

  • Can You Put Citrus Peels in Your Compost Pile?

    Can You Put Citrus Peels in Your Compost Pile?

    There is a common misconception that citrus shouldn’t go in the compost. Some gardeners believe that it will kill worms and beneficial bacteria. Some believe that it will increase the acidity of the compost. This isn’t the case. You can compost citrus including orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit. You can compost both the peels and…

  • How to Compost Pine Needles and Use Them as Mulch

    How to Compost Pine Needles and Use Them as Mulch

    Throughout the year, evergreen trees drop needles. You can compost pine needles but it is a pretty slow process. One way to speed up the decomposition process is to break them into smaller pieces to increase the surface area. They will turn into useable compost in around 3 months if you have an active compost…

  • How to Compost Clam, Mussel, and Oyster Shells 

    How to Compost Clam, Mussel, and Oyster Shells 

    You can compost seafood shells including clam shells, mussel shells, and oyster shells. You will have to clean them and crush them before adding them to your compost bin. If you don’t they will take too long to degrade. The shells will add valuable nutrients to your compost including nitrogen and calcium. They also contain…

  • Can You Put Shrimp Shells in the Compost Bin? 

    Can You Put Shrimp Shells in the Compost Bin? 

    Can you compost shrimp shells? Yes. Shrimp shells can be composted in a regular backyard compost bin or pile. They are great for compost. In composting, they are considered a ‘green’ material. They are rich in nitrogen and other valuable nutrients. Shrimp shells also contain materials that are beneficial for the microorganisms that decompose your…

  • Should I Put My Compost Bin in the Sun or Shade?

    Should I Put My Compost Bin in the Sun or Shade?

    Compost doesn’t require direct sunlight but some sunlight can speed up the decomposition process. Sunlight provides warmth, which makes decomposition more efficient. When deciding where to place your compost bin, aim for a warm environment that isn’t excessively hot. This creates the ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other beneficial organisms to decompose your…

  • Can You Compost Cork? Natural Wine Cork Disposal

    Can You Compost Cork? Natural Wine Cork Disposal

    Can you compost cork? The short answer is yes. Cork is compostable. It is a natural material that comes from a tree. That said, not all wine corks are compostable. Some corks are made from synthetic materials, such as plastics, that will not break down in your compost bin.    In this guide, we’ll go…