How to Compost Lemons

Lemons should not be added fresh to the compost bin.

Composting citrus fruit, including lemons, is another way to recycle and reclaim household waste. The backyard composting bin is often filled with vegetable scraps and lawn trimmings. Sometimes overlooked are the peels of fruits. While not as simple as tossing in a rotten head of lettuce, the process is possible with a bit of patience.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Knife
• Equal amount of soil or other composting material
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Cut lemon or lemon peel into quarter sections or smaller. If cutting a whole lemon, expose the juice sections by cutting the inner skins.

2. Place the cut lemons intended for composting in a separate bucket. Place the bucket in a cool, dry place and allow to sit.

3. Wait for the lemons to begin to break down and rot. They will turn dark and mold will begin to form. When they are soft, dark and fuzzy, they are ready to be added to the compost bin.

4. Place the rotten lemons into the compost bin and mix with an equal amount of ready soil or other composting materials. For example, for a half bucket of lemons, add a half bucket of other materials, such as vegetable peels or grass clippings, or soil.

5. Stir the compost together. Mix the rotten lemons evenly with a shovel into the other compost material.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the acidity level of your compost after adding the lemons. If the levels go above seven, alkaline-based matter such as grass may need to be added.

• The rotting lemons may begin to smell. Keep the bucket out of common areas if possible.

References

• Gardening Know How: Citrus In Compost -- Tips for Composting Citrus Peels
• Compost This: Can I Compost Lemons? Maybe