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George.com · 07-08-2006, 03:25 PM posted to rec.gardens

"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
On 7 Aug 2006 17:22:37 -0700, wrote:

We've got eleven orange trees and quite a few oranges wind up on the
ground throughout the year. We just got a composter, and I was
wondering if it's OK to put whole oranges in it? The oranges will have
been squished already, or partially eaten by our various squirrels,
etc., and we will be putting our kitchen waste and some grass clippings
and leaves in there as well. Thanks...

They will compost fine. If you cut them up they will compost faster.
This reminds me when I lived in Downy, California--oranges everywhere,
rolling in the street gutters and all over the place.

Treat them much the same as grass. If you actively manage your compost you
will find the citrus goes quite mushy and may need dry material added to it.
It does heat up quite nicely in a large balanced compost pile. If you just
chuck things in and leave them to break down thats ok too. The citrus will
be gone in much the same time as grass.

rob