It is such an amazing thing; the process of composting converts organic matter that is otherwise considered useless into a valuable soil amendment and plant food. All organic matter, except radioactive or deceased matter can be composted. There are certain restrictions and procedures if followed properly would help you to successfully compost all your household and yard waste. Yes, I know at this point some of you must be thinking, this is gonna be a lot of work, don’t be scared, once you’ve understood what it takes to successfully compost, it will all fall into place.
For example; I have read plenty of suggestions by many composters about not adding potatoes to the compost heap. The only reason they discourage composters from adding potatoes to the pile is because, the spuds breaking to replicate, becoming more potatoes. When this happens, the entire pile has plenty of tubers and a lack of organic mix. Now in my experience, if you squash the tubers well and add them to the heap, it will solve the issue. However, can we add onions to the compost? Are onions composable? Yes, onions can be composted and I must add that they are extremely valuable to the compost pile.
Composting onion
The problem that you would face while composing onion is very similar to that of potato. You would realize that the onion added to the pile will begin to shoot roots and want to grow. In order to prevent these new shoots, you would have to cut the onions into smaller pieces or maybe into halves, then add them to your compost bin.
Suppose you aren’t planning on composting the whole onion, in that case, I’m sure you’re wondering if you could add the peelings? Onion scraps and skins will never yield additional onions, however, they contributed to the unpleasant odor. This can attract wildlife or pests. I’m not sure if you have experienced it, but rotting onions do have a very foul order.
So be it scraps and skins or maybe onion pieces, the right way to compost it is, by burying the pieces 10 inches deep into the pile or even more. You must also know that, when you’re mixing the compost pile you will experience terrible odor, on account of the rotting onion. So always be sure to cut all your compostable materials be it onions or any other, into smaller pieces so, that they can decompose faster. In this way, you do not have to deal with the smell for a long time.
Furthermore, if odor is your main concern, then you may consider adding cardboard, newsprint, or even oyster shells that are crushed. This will help to mask and control the obnoxious odor.
Finally, I must say that when you add onions to your compost pile, it will not have a negative effect on the microbes that are present in the compost. You must also make a not that if, you’re working with a vermicomposting bin, then adding onion is not advisable. Worms are not fans of food scraps that have strong odor, which include garlic, onions, etc.
But I do hope this article has helped you get clarity on the best way to compost onion. Do share your experience with us, all the best!