Can I put garlic in my compost bin?

Umm...😕

It's complicated, whether you can put garlic into your composting bin, so read on!

Composting Garlic: A Comprehensive Guide

The Benefits of Composting Garlic

Composting garlic offers numerous advantages for both your compost pile and your garden. As an organic material rich in nitrogen, garlic scraps can help balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in your compost, promoting faster decomposition. Additionally, garlic contains beneficial nutrients that can enrich your soil and support healthy plant growth. To learn more about achieving the perfect balance of green and brown materials in your compost, check out our Master the Green-brown mix ebook.

What Garlic Materials Can You Compost?

When it comes to composting garlic, you can include various parts of the plant. Garlic cloves that have started to sprout or have become soft can be added to your compost bin. Garlic skins and scraps from meal preparation are also suitable for composting. However, it's best to avoid composting garlic that shows signs of disease or mold, as these issues can spread to other materials in your compost pile.

Composting Garlic Cloves

If you have garlic cloves that have begun to sprout or have become too soft for cooking, don't let them go to waste. Simply remove any excess papery skin and chop the cloves into smaller pieces before adding them to your compost pile. This will help accelerate the decomposition process. A compost shredder can be a handy tool for breaking down garlic cloves and other kitchen scraps.

Composting Garlic Skins

Garlic skins are thin and break down quickly in a compost pile. They are an excellent source of nitrogen and can help balance the carbon-rich materials in your compost, such as leaves and paper. To compost garlic skins, simply toss them into your compost bin along with other kitchen scraps. Using a kitchen compost pail can make it easy to collect and transport garlic skins and other food waste to your outdoor compost pile.

Managing Garlic in Your Compost Pile

While garlic is a valuable addition to your compost, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Garlic can sometimes emit a strong odor, especially when it first begins to decompose. To minimize any unpleasant smells, be sure to bury garlic scraps in the center of your compost pile and cover them with a layer of brown materials, such as dried leaves or shredded paper. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, covering food scraps with brown materials can help reduce odors and deter pests.

Balancing Your Compost

To ensure efficient composting, it's essential to maintain a proper balance of green and brown materials in your compost pile. Garlic falls into the green category, as it is high in nitrogen. When adding garlic scraps to your compost, make sure to balance them out with plenty of brown materials, such as dead leaves, straw, or cardboard. A ratio of about 3 parts brown to 1 part green is generally recommended.

Preventing Pest Issues

While uncommon, garlic in your compost pile may occasionally attract pests like rodents or insects. To discourage unwanted visitors, make sure to bury garlic scraps deep within the pile and cover them thoroughly with other materials. Regularly turning your compost can also help deter pests by disrupting their habitat. A compost aerator can make turning your pile easier and more efficient.

Using Garlic-Enriched Compost in Your Garden

Once your garlic scraps have fully decomposed and your compost has transformed into a rich, dark, and crumbly substance, it's ready to be used in your garden. Garlic-enriched compost can provide valuable nutrients to your soil, promoting healthy plant growth and improved soil structure. Simply mix the finished compost into your garden beds or use it as a top dressing around existing plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I compost garlic in a compost tumbler?

Yes, you can compost garlic in a compost tumbler. Just be sure to balance it with plenty of brown materials and turn the tumbler regularly to promote aeration and even decomposition.

How long does it take for garlic to decompose in compost?

Garlic scraps typically take around 2-3 months to fully decompose in a compost pile, depending on factors like temperature, moisture, and the size of the pieces.

Can I add garlic to my worm composting bin?

While garlic can be composted in traditional systems, it's best to avoid adding it to worm composting bins, as the strong odor may deter worms from processing the materials effectively. If you're interested in vermicomposting, consider using a specialized vermicomposting bin designed for this purpose.

By following these guidelines and incorporating garlic into your composting routine, you can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will help your garden thrive while reducing food waste in your household.