Composting basil scraps with worms
Have basil left over after preparing a delicious meal? Perfect! Basil scraps are excellent food for your Bonter worms. They are quickly converted into nutritious compost, contributing to a circular kitchen routine.
Can basil go in your worm bin?
Absolutely! Basil receives a well-deserved A rating from us. Both the soft leaves and the stems are highly suitable for worm composting. Basil is rich in nitrogen, which is important for the worms’ diet and the quality of the compost. It breaks down quickly, making it an easy and rewarding addition to your Bonter.
How much basil can be added?
You can add basil scraps to your worm bin regularly. As with all ‘green’ materials, it’s important to ensure there’s sufficient ‘brown’ material (like dry cardboard or paper) to maintain the correct moisture balance and carbon-nitrogen ratio. Add the basil as part of a varied diet for your worms, and you’ll see how quickly it disappears.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Since basil is very suitable for your Bonter worm bin, there’s really no reason to throw it away! However, if you have a huge amount, you can also add basil scraps to a traditional outdoor compost heap. The main thing is to minimize food waste, and composting with your Bonter is the most effortless way to do that indoors.
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Tips for safe basil composting
Composting basil is very simple. You can tear large leaves a bit smaller if necessary, but most parts break down quickly enough. Preferably add the basil scraps under the top layer of your bedding (paper or cardboard). This helps prevent any fruit flies, although basil is generally less attractive to them than fruit. Natural decomposition, supported by Bonter’s smart design and air filter, minimizes the chance of unpleasant odors.
I’m Mats, founder of Bonter, and I’m on a mission to make indoor composting effortless, ensuring sustainability becomes second nature in your home.
Join 340+ early adopters
Frequently asked questions about composting basil
Can the stems also go in?
Yes, the soft stems of basil can be composted by the worms without problems.
Can dried basil go in the worm bin?
Can I compost fresh basil from a pot?
Does basil rot or smell quickly in the bin?
What about basil processed in pesto or sauces?
Discover more
easy wins for your bin
See how effortlessly your vermicomposter handles common kitchen scraps. These items are favorites of your composting crew and simply transform waste into a valuable resource.