Composting grains and seeds - Ask Extension
I have some expired oats, chia seeds, quinoa and almond flour. Can any of these be added to a compost pile during the winter (or any time) in Baltimo...
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Composting grains and seeds #817367
Asked December 08, 2022, 2:48 PM EST
I have some expired oats, chia seeds, quinoa and almond flour. Can any of these be added to a compost pile during the winter (or any time) in Baltimore County? I am concerned some of these products will turn into a gooey mess in my compost pile (a black plastic compost bin) and may attract animals. I am not as concerned out the chia or quinoa spouting and making Chia pets or growing in the compost. Should I be concerned about that? None of these products have been cooked. Thanks!
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
That is a good question that we posed to our specialist.
The answer is that if your set-up is a mostly enclosed plastic bin (as opposed to an open mesh bin) and is less than 27 cu. ft., we wouldn't add them.
If your compost bin/pile is at least 27 cu. ft. or larger, it would be ok to add and incorporate up to 5-gallons of those plant products.
Christine
The answer is that if your set-up is a mostly enclosed plastic bin (as opposed to an open mesh bin) and is less than 27 cu. ft., we wouldn't add them.
If your compost bin/pile is at least 27 cu. ft. or larger, it would be ok to add and incorporate up to 5-gallons of those plant products.
Christine
Thanks. If it is an open mesh bin, would the grains attract animals? I have deer, squirrels, and a ground hog. Something, probably a deer, has flipped the top off my composting bin a few times. I can secure it but was surprised the top was removed.
Maybe I will make a chia pet with the chia seeds.
What is the best way to compost? I have the plastic bin now but also have a worm farm for small amounts of produce, and I am thinking of getting a tumbler but the are expensive.
Thanks!
Nancy
Here is our Home Composting page which will answer many of your questions:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-make-compost-home
The answer to your 'open mesh' question depends on how large the openings are- in the example bin on the above page, there are two layers of mesh, which would discourage digging. It would also be advisable to bury tasty things within the center of the pile. (Note too the list of things that shouldn't be added.)
As far as some critter taking the lid off, think in terms of who might be visiting at night as well as the ones you see in daylight. Raccoons are very adept at removing trashcan lids, etc.
We wouldn't necessarily suggest the use of a tumbler. In addition to their expense, they can be tricky to manage well, and people tend to have difficulty with them, for instance when the additions end up as a wet, heavy lump that doesn't mix with turning. If you have the space, other types work better at less expense.
Christine
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/how-make-compost-home
The answer to your 'open mesh' question depends on how large the openings are- in the example bin on the above page, there are two layers of mesh, which would discourage digging. It would also be advisable to bury tasty things within the center of the pile. (Note too the list of things that shouldn't be added.)
As far as some critter taking the lid off, think in terms of who might be visiting at night as well as the ones you see in daylight. Raccoons are very adept at removing trashcan lids, etc.
We wouldn't necessarily suggest the use of a tumbler. In addition to their expense, they can be tricky to manage well, and people tend to have difficulty with them, for instance when the additions end up as a wet, heavy lump that doesn't mix with turning. If you have the space, other types work better at less expense.
Christine
Thanks again for the helpful information.!
Nancy
You're welcome.
