Quick Answer: Can You Compost Apple Cores?
Yes, you can compost apple cores. It is considered a green material and decomposes very quickly in the regular compost pile. You may cut them into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process. Add white lime to reduce the acidity when composting large quantities of apple cores. Also, you may remove the seedlings accidentally sprouting in the compost pile.
This guide will answer if you can compost apple cores.
Keep reading to know more!
Contents
Can You Compost Apple Cores?
Yes, you can compost apple cores along with other fruit leftovers. They compost down very quickly when the flesh is exposed to air due to browning. It is recommended to cut them into small chunks before throwing them into the compost.
Avoid adding large quantities of apples and cores to the composting pile. The high level of acidity will slow down the composting process.
Add hydrated white lime to reduce the high levels of acidity.
Another concern is that apple seeds may germinate in the compost pile if the conditions are favorable. But, the compost may rot completely by the time seed germinate. You may remove the seedlings if you observe them sprouting.
Also, many gardeners caution that the apple seeds will release cyanide when crushed. But, the amount of cyanide is negligible and many microbes in the compost pile will degrade cyanide.
So, it is safe to use the compost around the vegetable garden.
How To Compost Apple Cores With Ease?
Apple cores are considered a green material. It has to be balanced with suitable brown material in the regular compost pile to give a nice, earthy compost.
The different steps in composting apple cores are as follows:
- Collect the apple cores– You may cut the apple cores into smaller pieces for faster decomposition. Throw them into the compost pile. Some gardeners prefer to remove the seeds before throwing them into the compost pile.
- Mix with brown materials– Cover the mealy apple cores with a layer of leaf litter, corn husks, pine needles, sawdust, shredded newspapers, straw, or nut shells. They will add carbon to the compost and prevent the fruit flies from the pile.
- Maintain the pile– Turn the pile occasionally to aerate the materials for rapid decomposition. Add water to keep the pile damp. Do not make them soggy. Wait for the crumbly, earthy compost. Use them as a soil amendment to your garden.
Can You Compost Apple Pomace?
Yes, you can compost apple pomace. They can be added to the working compost heap as soon as possible. Fresh pomace is wet and has to be mixed with dry leaves, hay, and other absorbent materials.
Pomace has a valuable amount of phosphoric acid and potash with less amount of nitrogen. Avoid adding large amounts of pomace from commercial presses.
Their skins may contain residues of metallic sprays. These may build up to toxic levels when large amounts of pomace are used.
Will Worms Eat Apple Cores?
Yes, worms can eat apple cores after it has gone through the moldy stage. The leftover apple on the core will keep the worms interested. They will break down very quickly.
The seeds of the apple cores will not break down but they can be sifted later. You may throw the whole apple core or cut them into small pieces before adding them to the worm bin.
Cover the apples with mulch to keep away flies, ants, and bees. The worms will break them down into worm castings.
Check out this video for more information on vermicomposting apple cores:
FAQs
Apple seeds contain amygdaline that releases cyanide when it comes in contact with human digestive enzymes. However, small amounts of apple seeds do not contain enough cyanide to cause harm. Also, they have to be crushed to release poisonous substances.
Yes, there may be seedlings accidentally sprouting in the compost pile under favorable conditions. You may remove them, break them into smaller pieces, and added back to the compost pile. But ,apple seedlings may take a longer time to sprout.
Yes, apple cores may attract wasps when buried in the compost pile. It will be especially when the compost pile is loaded with a lot of apples. It may be avoided by burying the apple cores deep in the compost pile.
Bottom Line
I hope this guide has given you certain tips and considerations in composting apple core.
Please do let us know your experiences in composting them!