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Composting corn cobs and husks is a sustainable process of turning garbage bound kitchen leftovers into garden-rich nutrients for your plants. You can also use other discarded parts of the corn plant in your compost pile, such as the stalks, leaves, and even the corn silks. Read on for tips on composting these items successfully.
The husks – these form the outer layer that protects the developing corn – are discarded when you peel them away to expose the corn kernels. Instead of tossing them in the trash, simply toss them in your compost pile. For composting corn husks, you can use green husks, which are removed before eating fresh corn, or brown husks, which are left intact around the ears of corn to be used for harvesting seed or feeding livestock.
Corn is a popular vegetable grown across the world. After removing the corn kernels, most people discard the cobs and husks as waste. However, did you know that corn cobs and husks can be composted? Composting corn parts provides an eco-friendly way to recycle food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden.
Benefits of Composting Corn Cobs and Husks
Composting corn cobs and husks offers several advantages:
- Reduces waste going to landfills
- Produces free organic fertilizer for your garden
- Improves soil structure and nutrient content
- Helps plants grow better
- Closes the food cycle loop in your garden
Essentially, composting corn waste allows you to turn trash into treasure for your garden!
Can You Compost Corn Cobs?
Yes, corn cobs can be composted! Whole cobs may take longer to break down than other materials. But chopping or crushing them into smaller pieces speeds up the composting process.
Corn cobs provide:
- Carbon for balanced compost
- Small air pockets to improve aeration
- Slow release of nutrients as they break down
So feel free to add corn cobs to your compost pile or bin. Just make sure to break them down into bite-sized chunks first.
Can You Compost Corn Husks?
Corn husks make an excellent addition to compost as well. The husks contain vital nutrients plants need, like nitrogen Fresh green husks add moisture while dried brown husks provide carbon
To compost corn husks:
- Chop or shred them to speed decomposition
- Mix with other compost materials like leaves or straw
- Add both green and dried husks for balance
- Turn or stir the pile occasionally
Within a few months, the husks will turn into rich compost for your garden.
Tips for Composting Corn Cobs and Husks
Follow these simple tips for successfully composting corn parts:
Break It Down
Chop or crush cobs and shred husks into smaller pieces. This gives microbes more surface area to work on during decomposition.
Balance Greens and Browns
Mix high-nitrogen corn husks with high-carbon materials like dried leaves or straw. Aim for a 1:2 ratio of greens to browns.
Add Some Dirt
Sprinkle in some garden soil which contains composting microorganisms. This kickstarts the composting process.
Maintain Moisture
Corn cobs and husks should be moist but not soaked.Aim for 40-60% moisture content.
Let Air Circulate
Turn or stir the compost pile weekly. This aerates the materials and supplies oxygen to microbes.
Monitor Temperature
Compost heats up as microbes break down organic matter. Temperatures between 90-140°F indicate rapid decomposition.
Making Corn Cob Compost Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps for making compost with corn cobs:
Supplies Needed
- Garden fork or compost turner
- Water source like a hose
- Compost thermometer (optional)
- Compost bin or pile enclosure (optional)
1. Shred Corn Parts
Chop corn cobs into smaller chunks. Shred or cut up husks and other organic waste like stalks or silks.
2. Layer Greens and Browns
Place a 6-8 inch base layer of browns like dry leaves or straw. Add a 3-4 inch layer of greens like corn husks on top.
3. Sprinkle with Soil
Lightly dust a thin layer of garden soil or finished compost over the layers to introduce decomposing microbes.
4. Repeat Layering
Continue alternating browns and greens in layers, sprinkling with soil in between.
5. Add Water
Moisten the pile well but avoid oversaturation. Compost should be damp but not dripping wet.
6. Allow Airflow
Poke holes in the pile using a pitchfork or compost aerator bar. Turning the pile weekly also improves aeration.
7. Monitor and Maintain
Check moisture and temperature levels regularly. Turn and remake piles as needed to speed decomposition.
In 2-4 months, your corn waste will transform into dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling compost for your garden!
Uses for Corn Cob Compost
Once finished, corn cob compost provides a nutritious organic fertilizer and soil amendment. Here are some great ways to use it:
- Mix into vegetable and flower gardens
- Top dress lawns and landscaping
- Add to potting soil for houseplants
- Mulch around trees or shrubs
- Make compost tea to boost plants
So instead of throwing out corn waste, compost it to make a free nutrient-packed fertilizer for your yard and garden! Follow these tips for successfully composting corn cobs, husks, and other parts. Let this vegetable waste work its magic to create rich compost for your plants.
How to Compost Corn Plants
Open or Enclosed. For composting corn cobs and husks, as well as other parts of the corn plant and other organic matter, you can use an open compost pile, or you can build a frame to keep the contents enclosed. Your frame can be made of wire mesh, concrete blocks, or wooden pallets, but be sure to leave the bottom open so the compost drains well. Ratio Recipe. Keep a 4:1 ratio of “brown” to “green” ingredients so your compost pile doesnt become soggy, which can cause an offensive odor. For example, when composting corn cobs and husks, the “greener” the ingredients, the more moisture they’ll contribute. “Brown” includes dried plant parts, and “green” refers to the still moist and freshly cut or shucked parts. Tip: The moisture content of your compost pile should ideally be 40 percent – as moist as a lightly dampened sponge. Size of Materials. Simply put, the larger the pieces, the longer it takes them to degrade into compost. When you’re composting a corn cob, it’ll decompose more rapidly if you cut it into smaller pieces. For composting corn husks, you can shred them into smaller pieces by mowing over them, or you can leave them whole. Turning the Pile. Turning a compost pile moves the air inside it and hastens decomposition. Use a spading fork or shovel to lift and turn the compost at least once a month.
Can Corn Cobs Go in Compost?
Yes, they can! Although composting a corn cob takes longer than composting corn husks, the cobs serve an additional purpose even before they decompose into usable compost. Left intact, corn cobs provide air pockets in a compost pile. These air pockets help speed up the decomposition process so your compost is ready to use quicker than it would be from an oxygen deprived pile.
Can You Compost Corn Cobs? Tips and Tricks
FAQ
How long does it take corn cobs to compost?
Without any cuts, corn cob can break down up to six months while mixed in compost. This is also being turned several times a week and balanced in the compost.
What three items should not be placed in a compost pile?
Avoid adding
Oils and fats, bread products, rice and pasta, sauces, dairy products, nuts, fish and meat or bones. These will cause odour problems and attract pests. Dog or cat feces, kitty litter and human waste. Meat-eating animals may carry diseases in their poop and kitty litter may contain chemicals.
Can compost worms eat corn cobs?
In the worm bin, corn on the cob is the gift that keeps on giving! In it’s raw state, an ear of corn would take a really long time to be consumed. But once shucked and broiled, boiled, or grilled, corn becomes a food of choice for compost worms.
Can corn husks and cobs be composted?
Yes, absolutely! I compost corn cobs and corn husks a lot during the season. They break down well.