Composting lemongrass with worms
Have lemongrass stalks left over after cooking an Asian dish? These fibrous scraps can, with the right approach, be added to your Bonter worm bin. Worms and microorganisms contribute to the breakdown of this aromatic material, although it may take a bit longer. Learn how best to compost lemongrass for an effortless routine.
Can lemongrass go in your worm bin?
Yes, lemongrass can go in your worm bin, but it receives a ‘B’ rating because it comes with some challenges. Lemongrass is very fibrous and has a strong structure, especially the thicker, woody parts of the stalk. This causes it to break down slower than most other fruit and vegetable scraps. The strong odor in large quantities can also be less appealing to the worms. Nevertheless, small, very finely cut pieces of lemongrass can be added just fine. The Bonter’s ventilation system ensures good air circulation, which is important for healthy decomposition, but the fibers require extra attention.
How much lemongrass can you add?
Always add lemongrass very sparingly to your Bonter worm bin. Given the slow breakdown of the fibrous parts, it’s important to process only small quantities at a time. Mix the finely cut pieces of lemongrass with other, faster-composting waste to prevent it from remaining on the surface. Also, make sure to add sufficient ‘brown’ bedding material (such as shredded cardboard or paper). This helps manage moisture and improve the overall structure of the bin, which is essential for successful composting of materials like lemongrass.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Do you have a lot of lemongrass stalks left over that don’t fit in your Bonter? Since lemongrass breaks down slowly in a worm bin, it is advisable to process larger quantities in other ways. Lemongrass stalks can be used multiple times to flavor tea, soups, or curries before discarding them. The truly hard, unusable stalks are better suited for a traditional compost heap if you have one. Use your Bonter only for the small scraps left over after cooking, and make sure these are very finely cut. This prevents the buildup of fibers in the bin.
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Tips for safe lemongrass composting
The most important tip for composting lemongrass in your Bonter worm bin is to cut it as finely as possible. Chop the stalks into small pieces less than 1 cm. The smaller the pieces, the better the worms and microorganisms can access them and the faster the breakdown will go, although it will still remain slow. Mix the finely cut lemongrass scraps with the existing waste in the bin and cover the whole thing well with a layer of dry bedding material. This helps absorb moisture and limit any unwanted odors. Patience is required when composting this fibrous material.
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Frequently asked questions about composting lemongrass
Do I need to cut lemongrass into small pieces?
Yes, this is essential. Cut the stalks as finely as possible (ideally less than 1 cm) to facilitate breakdown.
How much lemongrass can I add?
Can lemongrass cause a strong odor?
Can the hard, woody ends go in?
How quickly does lemongrass decompose?
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