Composting melon with worms
Melon peels, flesh, and seeds are suitable for your Bonter vermicomposter but require some attention when adding them. They contain a lot of moisture and sugars, which stimulate breakdown and contribute to compost. The peel, however, is tough and requires some time to digest. Read here how best to process melon waste.
Can melon scraps go in your worm bin?
Yes, melon peels, flesh, and seeds are allowed in the worm bin. The flesh and seeds are soft, moist, and sugary, so they break down very quickly and are direct food for worms and microorganisms. The peel, however, is quite thick and tough, which slows down breakdown compared to the flesh. Different types of melon (Galia, cantaloupe, watermelon) have peels with varying thickness and texture, but generally, they are well compostable if properly prepared. Melon primarily provides ‘green’ material.
How much melon can you add?
Add melon peels and scraps regularly, but in balance with other waste and sufficient ‘brown’ material (shredded cardboard, paper). Melon contains enormous amounts of moisture and sugars, so always compensate for this with a generous amount of dry material to prevent your bin from becoming too wet or from having too much sugar in one spot. Do not add large pieces of peel all at once, but add small quantities, spread throughout the bin. Watch how quickly the peels are processed; if they accumulate, reduce the quantity.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Melon waste is well suitable for the Bonter if properly prepared and added in the right quantities. Should you have a large quantity (for example, after a summer party), a traditional compost heap is a good alternative. There, the thick peels and large quantities of moisture can be processed better in a larger mass. Try to prevent food waste of the flesh by eating it, processing it in smoothies, or sharing it. The worm bin is an efficient place for the smaller, daily amounts of melon scraps.
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Tips for safe melon composting
To speed up the breakdown of melon peels, it is important to cut them into smaller pieces (about 5-10 cm). Watermelon peel is extra thick, so the smaller you cut it, the better. Always mix melon waste with a generous amount of dry ‘brown’ material (cardboard, paper) to absorb excess moisture and improve structure. Bury melon scraps well under the bedding. The high sugar content attracts fruit flies if left on top. Covering well is crucial, even with the effective Bonter air filtration system. This helps deter unwanted pests.
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Frequently asked questions about composting melon
Can melon peels go in the worm bin?
Yes, melon peels are compostable, but they are tough and break down relatively slowly. Cutting them into smaller pieces helps speed up breakdown.
Do I need to remove the seeds from melon before composting?
Is melon too moist for the worm bin?
Do melon scraps attract fruit flies?
What about watermelon peel, it's so thick?
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