Composting Potato Peelings: Step-by-Step

Potato skins are excellent for compost because they break down quickly and add nitrogen, boosting plant growth. Just make sure they’re well-mixed and balanced with browns.

1. Collect and Prepare the Peelings
• Gather your potato skins along with other vegetable scraps.
• Chop them into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.

2. Balance “Greens” and “Browns”
• Potato peels are considered green compost materials (nitrogen-rich).
• Mix them with brown materials (carbon-rich) like dry leaves, shredded paper, or straw.
• Aim for roughly a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens to prevent odor and promote healthy composting.

3. Add to Your Compost Pile or Bin
• Place the potato peels in the center of your compost pile or bin.
• Cover them with brown materials to prevent pests and reduce smell.

4. Maintain Moisture and Aeration
• Keep the compost moist, like a wrung-out sponge.
• Turn or aerate the pile every 1–2 weeks to speed decomposition.

5. Avoid Problems
• Avoid adding too many peels at once, which can create a slimy, smelly mess.
• Do not compost raw potatoes in large quantities, as they can sprout or attract rodents.
• Cooking potato scraps (like boiled peels) is fine but may slow decomposition slightly.

6. Harvest Your Compost
• In 2–4 months, depending on conditions, your compost should be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, ready to enrich your garden soil.