Composting bell pepper scraps with worms
Bell pepper scraps, such as the seed ribs, seeds, and peels, can be added to your Bonter worm bin. Due to the moisture in the inside and the somewhat tough peel, however, they require a careful approach and dosage to keep your composting process optimal.
Can bell pepper go in your worm bin?
Yes, bell pepper scraps are suitable for your Bonter worm bin, but in moderation. The seed ribs and seeds decompose relatively quickly but contain a lot of moisture. The peel can be tough and take longer to break down. Too much bell pepper, especially without compensation with dry material, can make the bin too wet and slow down the composting process. So, be mindful when adding it.
How much bell pepper can you add?
Add bell pepper scraps sparingly to your Bonter. Limit yourself to the scraps of one bell pepper at a time, and not with every feeding. Always combine bell pepper waste, especially the moist inside, with a generous amount of dry, carbon-rich material such as shredded cardboard or paper. This helps absorb the moisture and ensures good balance and structure in the bin. Pay close attention to how the bin reacts and adjust the quantity accordingly.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Because bell pepper can go in the worm bin in moderation, you can compost small scraps perfectly fine. Larger quantities of bell pepper scraps, such as the entire inside of multiple bell peppers, can be used to make broth. This adds a nice flavor to soups and sauces. An outdoor compost heap is also a suitable place where the peel and moisture cause fewer problems. Try to minimize food waste by using bell pepper as fully as possible in dishes.
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Tips for safe bell pepper composting
Cut bell pepper scraps, especially the peel and seed ribs, into small pieces to speed up decomposition. Mix the bell pepper thoroughly with a generous amount of dry bedding material before adding it. This is essential for managing the moisture. Bury the mix under the top layer to discourage fruit flies. The peel may remain visible in the bin for a bit longer. Your Bonter filters odors, but an overly wet bin can still get a musty smell; so always ensure good moisture balance by adding sufficient dry material.

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Frequently asked questions about composting bell peppers
Can bell pepper peels go in the worm bin?
Yes, bell pepper peels can go in the worm bin, but preferably make them small because the tough peel decomposes relatively slowly.
Can the seed ribs and seeds of bell pepper go in?
Yes, bell pepper seed ribs and seeds can go in the worm bin without problems. They do contain moisture, so balance them with dry material. The seeds can survive and later sprout in the compost.
Does bell pepper cause odors in the worm bin?
Bell pepper itself does not have a strong odor, but like other moisture-rich vegetables, an excess of bell pepper can contribute to an overly wet bin. An overly wet, oxygen-poor environment can lead to unwanted odors. Ensure a good moisture balance to prevent this.
How quickly does bell pepper decompose in a worm bin?
The soft inside of bell pepper decomposes fairly quickly. The peel is tougher and takes longer to break down. On average, decomposition proceeds reasonably quickly if the scraps are made small and the bin is well balanced.
Can the stem and crown of the bell pepper go in the Bonter?
Yes, the stem and crown of the bell pepper can go in the worm bin. However, these are quite tough and decompose slowly. Cut them into the smallest possible pieces to help the worms and speed up decomposition.
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