A composting bin

Can I put herb stems in my compost bin?


YES 🎉


You can put herb stems into your composting bin!

Key info
Brown material📂
2-4 months
30:1⚖️

Get the right balance of brown and green composting materials in your bin with our expert guide.


Getting the Most From Your Herb Garden Waste

Transforming Herb Scraps into Black Gold Compost

Herb gardens generate substantial organic waste. Rather than tossing trimmings and spoiled produce into the trash, savvy gardeners convert herb garden scraps into usable compost. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of reconditioning herb waste into a valuable soil amendment using home composting techniques.

Identifying Prime Herb Compost Candidates

Not all herb garden waste works equally when composting. Focus on herb scraps containing lots of nitrogen and moisture. Some prime examples include:

Soft Herb Scraps

  • Parsley & cilantro leaves
  • Chives and their flowers
  • Fennel fronds and spoiled bulbs
  • Basil stems and wilted leaves

Semi-Woody Herb Waste

  • Rosemary, thyme and marjoram stems
  • Sage and lavender stalks
  • Lemon verbena and scented geranium branches

Kitchen veggie/fruit cuttings provide supplemental nitrogen too.

Locating Your Compost System for Convenience

Find a spot facilitating uncomplicated transport of herb waste to your composter. Some gardeners devote a corner of ornamental beds for compiling scraps. Others position lidded compost bins nearby potted herbs.

Prioritize convenience and discretion over curb appeal when siting - functionality trumps aesthetics for efficient harvesting of quality compost.

Preparing Herb Waste for Rapid Rotting

Proper processing significantly accelerates decay. Follow these key steps when adding herb garden waste:

1. Chop/Shred: Mince or shred twiggy stalks, thicker branches and lignified stems

2. Mix Greens & Browns: Blend nitrogenous green matter with high carbon browns

3. Mind Moisture: Prevent sogginess - excess moisture promotes anaerobic rotting

4. Turn Periodically: Routine aeration introduces needed oxygen, deterring stench

With conscientious preparation and monitoring, herb waste breaks down promptly into usable compost.

Boosting Your Garden With Mature Herb Compost

Finished compost made using herb garden waste offers adaptable soil enhancement across numerous garden usages:

Potting Mix Component - Amend seed starter and potting media

Ornamental Topper - Mulch flower beds without fear of burning

Edibles Booster - Side dress vegetables, fruits and herbs

Soil Conditioner - Blend into native soil when planting

Acidifier - Lower pH in substrates suited for azaleas, blueberries, etc.

Herb garden compost empowers gardeners to "close the loop" via responsible waste recycling. Put your herb scraps to work nurturing new growth!

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