Composting apples with worms
Apple cores, peels, and even small pieces of flesh are excellent and highly suitable additions to your Bonter vermicomposter. They are a nutritious source for your worms and microbes and are easily processed. Adding apple scraps is simple and contributes positively to your compost.
Can apple scraps go in your worm bin?
Yes, absolutely! Apple cores and peels are a strongly recommended food source for compost worms. They consist mainly of cellulose and fruit sugars, which worms and microbes easily consume. They break down relatively quickly, especially if cut into smaller pieces. Apples provide valuable ‘green’ material and contribute to the nitrogen in the bin. The seeds are not harmful, although they may pass through the worms undigested and potentially sprout later.
How much apple can you add?
Apple cores and peels can be a regular part of the diet in your Bonter. As with all ‘green’ materials, ensure that you balance them with sufficient ‘brown’ material (such as shredded cardboard or paper) to optimize the carbon-nitrogen ratio and manage moisture balance. You can add apple scraps as often as you add other kitchen waste, as long as you see that everything is being processed well by your worms.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Apple cores and peels are so suitable for your Bonter that there is usually no need for alternative processing! If you do have an excess, for example, after preparing applesauce, you can add them to a traditional compost heap. Apple cores and peels compost excellently together with most other fruit and vegetable scraps. Preventing food waste by using apple flesh in dishes is, of course, always the best option.
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Tips for safe apple composting
Preparation for apple scraps is minimal. Cut larger apple cores or pieces of peel into smaller pieces (about 2-5 cm) to help the worms process them faster. Mix the apple scraps with a handful of dry ‘brown’ material and always bury them under the top layer of bedding in your Bonter. This helps discourage fruit flies, although apples are naturally less attractive than some other fruit types. The Bonter’s integrated air filtration system ensures that any odors remain inside.
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Frequently asked questions about composting apple
Can I put apple seeds in the worm bin?
Yes, apple seeds are not harmful. They can pass through the worm bin undigested and may sprout later, but they do not cause a problem.
Do I need to cut apple cores and peels into pieces?
Can I add too much apple waste to my Bonter?
Do apples attract fruit flies in the worm bin?
Are apples too acidic for compost worms?
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