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Can You Compost Citrus Peels? Tips for Faster Breakdown

Can citrus fruit peels—orange, lemon, lime—be composted? They seem tough and slow to break down.

Two Schools of Thought

There are differing opinions on composting citrus peels. Some say it's beneficial; others advise against it. I'm in the "good thing" camp, provided you manage the process properly. Because citrus peels decompose more slowly than leafy waste, cut them into 1-inch square pieces to accelerate breakdown. A meat grinder can also help.

Helpful Resources

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Organic Gardens: Navel Orange Internal Black Rot: Alternaria Fruit Rot; Cycads in Large Pots Developing Orange Spots: A Serious Disease?; Dwarf Orange Tree Bark Peeling: Poor Drainage and Mulch Suffocation; Why Your Orange Tree Isn't Fruiting: Maturity, Chill, and Pollination; Cheap, Natural Ant Control for Lawns & Gardens; Composting Citrus Peels: Myths, Facts & Best Practices; Composting Citrus Peels: Debunking Myths and Best Practices; Citrus in McDonough: 'Thomasville' Citrangequat Survives Cold Winters; Citrus Spider Mites: The Kid-Friendly Control Project; Growing Citrus Indoors: Why Seed-Grown Oranges Rarely Fruit

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