At first look,having penicillium mold in a compost pile would be a problem. But there a few things you have to factor in that would lessen the possibility of this problem. Citrus peelings have gotten a bad rap in composting due in part to the fact that it can take a long time for the peels to break down. You can speed up how fast citrus in compost breaks down by cutting up the peels into small pieces. We were told at the time you shouldn’t put citrus peels or indeed any part of a citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime, tangerine, mandarine, etc.) in the compost bin because the peel contained“natural chemicals” that would repress earthworms or microbes. Or were too acid and that would have the same result. Or that citrus parts take too long to decompose. Or that the resulting compost would be too acid. Or that citrus are chemically treated for better conservation and that will “poison” the compost. Or … there were plenty of other reasons given. The good thing is that the d-limonene disappears as the peel rots though. So, only add the peels when they start to rot or cut them off for speedy decomposition.

Secondly, the scent from the citrus is one that many pests and scavengers will not like. It acts as a natural deterrent to keep unwanted animals away from your compost. This is a great way to make sure that your composting mixture attracts no rats, voles, gophers, raccoons, or any other scavenger. This article applies to both planted and potted citrus trees, but since potted citrus have a finite amount of soil to work with, it’s important to get it right. For this reason, we’ll focus on potted citrus tree soil for the majority of the article. Citrus peels are a natural solution to pests and do not harm the environment, making this one of the best citrus peel uses. More on it here. 3. Dog and Cat Repellant pestsbanned Cool or fluctuating temperatures, dry air and cold draughts can cause citrus plants to drop their leaves, fail to flower or not produce fruit. Let’s find out more about quality citrus tree soil, including what it looks like and how to make it. What Should Citrus Potting Mix Look Like? Should Have

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Of course, you can compost orange peels. Some will argue against this but consider the following. The orange peels contain a lot of citric acids, like the fruit they are covering. Too much acidity will disrupt the normal process of decomposition. Ensure the container has proper drainage, as too much moisture can rot the roots. A small container for a young citrus tree will be enough for proper draining. How To Grow Citrus Trees? They also contain the d-limonene chemical on their peels, which can only be chewed upon by particular bacteria and not all inside the compost. This means the composting process will be slow, and also other bacteria might be harmed by the chemical. While putting too much citrus in a compost pile can mean making it overly acidic, there are actually many plants that enjoy acidic soil. Deciduous trees like dogwood, willow, and magnolias prefer acidic soil. There are many gorgeous flowering plants that love acidic soil, such as camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, daffodils, nasturtiums!

Firstly, it’s not that citrus peels don’t decompose, it’s that they take a longer time than average to break down. This is because of their adipose cells being resistant to decomposition. These are the same cells that contain the oils that give a citrus fruit its characteristic scent. Composting citrus isn’t something you need to shy away from. It’s all about maintaining a good balance, and the pros far outweigh the cons. Using your citrus in a smart way can help make any compost pile flourish, and thus be great to use in any garden. Remember that you can have a separate pile for plants that enjoy acidic soil, where you can be more liberal about citrus used in your compost. citrus trees only require minimal pruning by removing overcrowded branches and leggy plants can be pruned hard by up to two thirds. learn more pruning now” class=”wp-image-33109″ width=”500″ height=”260″/> Keep in mind that since we won’t be needing that much soil for the potted citrus plants, splurging on a premium brand will help give the tree prime nutrients for years to come. However, if you want to go a safer route, and get the best quality potting soil for your tree, it’s generally better to skip the commercial and make your own. More TipsThe right potting soil will ensure the good health of the citrus plant. Citrus trees require well-drained fertile soil, and this must be given consideration. There also exist major challenges and reasons as to why some argue against composting citrus fruits. One of them is that citrus fruits’ skin contains a chemical known as d-limonene. The chemical is not eaten by all bacteria, but some. This means that the decomposition process of citrus fruits will overall be slower. Start by placing the citrus in the middle of the pile, as you would with a hot compost. Take care that your citrus peels are cut up into small pieces; it may be a good idea to dry them out first for better decomposition. This makes sure the pieces break down properly and do not lead to things like compost balls, which are not ideal. Step Two This mulch not only conserves moisture but also provides additional nutrients as it decomposes, enriching the soil and promoting the well-being of your plants. Make sure the pots are deep enough for their roots to develop – say between 10-15cm. And continue to provide ample sunlight and regular watering.' 7. Give your little lemon trees lots of TLC

You can read more about the problems that affect citrus trees in this guide and how to overcome them. Whichever soil mix you choose, know that you can’t really go wrong. Just make sure to have a rich, slightly acidic, and well-draining soil, and your citrus tree will be happy for years on end! How to Transplant the Tree With the New Soil Note: If you don’t know how to use a citrus peeler, you should be careful and use your hands. Otherwise, seek the help of a family member or the Internet. 9. Soil Amendment for Clay SoilsUsing compost made with lots of lemon and orange waste could work wonders in these areas of your garden. Also, if you have to compost the lemon peels, consider cleaning them as they might contain pesticide or herbicide which is not only harmful to the bacteria in the compost but will also be transferred to the garden through the compost Can You Compost Grapefruit? If your plants are suffering from mild pest infestation, avoid using chemical pesticides and try to repel them by using citrus peels. Citrus peels can serve as a natural and effective way to attract certain butterfly species to your garden, adding a burst of color and beauty to your outdoor space. Cover the remaining space in the pot with your homemade citrus soil. The base of the tree and the top of the soil should be 0.5-1 inch lower than the top of the pot.