Can I Compost Pickles?
Almost everything you read about composting will tell you that you can compost any kitchen scraps. But then, a few paragraphs later, you’ll often see contradictions, like don’t add meat, dairy, or pickles to your compost pile.
So, what gives? Can you compost pickles or not?
The answer is yes, but in moderation.
Why You Should Compost Pickles
Pickles can add valuable nutrients to your compost pile, including potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese. However, the vinegar in pickles can add too much acid and kill beneficial bacteria. Pickles also usually contain a lot of salt, which can be harmful to plants in high concentrations.
On the other hand, vinegar can deter many pests. It is also a natural weed control because of its high acidity. Many pickles are also made with garlic, which can also deter pests and add valuable nutrients.
How to Compost Pickles Safely
If you do decide to compost pickles, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Don’t add too many pickles at once. A good compost pile will contain a wide variety of compostable materials. While you can add a few pickle leftovers here or there, don’t dump a whole jar of pickles into your compost pile.
- Balance the pH. The vinegar in pickles can make your compost pile too acidic. To balance the pH, add lime or other alkaline materials to your compost pile.
- Add yarrow. Yarrow is a plant that can help speed up decomposition in compost piles. It is a good idea to add some yarrow to your compost pile if you are composting pickles.
- Remove the pickle juice. Many experts recommend removing the pickles from the pickle juice and rinsing them off before adding them to the compost pile. You can set this pickle juice aside to use as a natural weed killer or keep it in the fridge as a remedy for leg cramps.
- Purée the pickles. Another option is to put the pickles, juice and all, in a blender to make a purée before adding them to the compost pile. This will help them break down faster and mix in better.
Other Tips for Composting Pickles
- Use a variety of materials in your compost pile. Don’t just add pickles to your compost pile. Make sure to add a variety of other compostable materials, such as fruits, vegetables, leaves, and grass clippings.
- When using highly acidic items, balance the pH with alkaline materials. This will help to ensure that your compost pile is not too acidic for beneficial bacteria.
Conclusion
Pickles can be a valuable addition to your compost pile, but it is important to compost them safely. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your pickles break down properly and add valuable nutrients to your compost.
