27 posts tagged with "Compost"

Grapes are a delicious and nutritious fruit, but they can spoil quickly if not handled properly. And, of course, you can compost spoiled or moldy fruits like grapes.

In this practical guide, we’ll cover everything from explaining mold on grapes – how to spot it and what it means – and answering the big question: Can I compost spoiled or moldy grapes? We’ll also show you how to store grapes, how to wash grapes, and how long grapes can last in the fridge from trusted food safety and composting sources, along with step-by-step advice to keep your grapes fresh longer and to ensure your compost is healthy.

Composting is nature’s recycling. It uses microorganisms to turn organic waste (kitchen scraps, yard trimmings, etc.) into nutrient-rich soil amendments. This managed, aerobic process (requiring air) feeds beneficial microbes that break down “greens” (nitrogen-rich) and “browns” (carbon-rich) materials, releasing heat and nutrients. An actively maintained compost pile can reach 130–160°F during decomposition, killing pathogens and weed seeds as it cooks. The final product is dark, crumbly compost that enriches garden soil.

Embedding a photo, for example, reveals a steaming compost heap – evidence of intense microbial activity at work.

A garden compost pile heating up and steaming as microbes break down yard and kitchen waste (Picture from rodaleinstitute.org).

Strawberries are delicious but notoriously perishable. Their tender, thin skins, high moisture and sugar content, and rapid respiration make them prone to bruising, microbial spoilage (especially mold such as Botrytis), and flavor loss.

In warm or humid conditions, they spoil very quickly. Minimizing handling, keeping them cool and dry, and using gentle storage methods are key. With the right techniques, you can keep strawberries fresh longer, reduce waste, and even recycle food waste into rich compost for your garden.

The tips below (drawn from USDA and university extension guidance) will help home cooks, gardeners, and sustainability advocates store strawberries safely and effectively.

How Long Do Blueberries Last? A Complete Guide to Storing Blueberries for Freshness​

Blueberries are delicious, nutritious, and incredibly versatile—great in smoothies, cereal, baking, or as a snack. But they also have a short shelf life, especially if not stored correctly. Whether you buy them fresh from a farmer’s market or pick them from your backyard bush, knowing how to store blueberries properly can make a big difference in how long they stay good. In this guide, we’ll explain how long blueberries last, the best ways to store them, and how to tell if they’ve gone bad.

We’ll also answer common questions like:

• How long do blueberries last in the fridge?

• Can you freeze blueberries to make them last longer?

• What affects the shelf life of blueberries?

• How to extend the freshness of blueberries naturally?

Let’s dive into how to keep your blueberries fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat for as long as possible.

Growing Blueberries: Introduction​

Blueberries are a rewarding fruit for home gardeners and beginners. These shrubs (often called berry “trees” in landscaping) produce nutritious, antioxidant-rich berries each summer.

To grow blueberries successfully, you need to meet their basic needs: full sun, acidic fertile soil, and consistent moisture. With patience, blueberries can bear fruit within 2–3 years and continue producing for decades.

We’ll explain where and how to plant blueberry bushes, how to prepare the soil (including blueberry soil pH), the best fertilizer (organic compost), and essential care steps (watering, mulching, pruning) to keep your blueberry plants thriving.

Bananas are a convenient, nutrient-rich fruit, but they ripen and spoil quickly at home. On average, a bunch of bananas left out on the counter will only stay fresh for a few days before turning brown and mushy. By understanding what causes bananas to ripen and using smart storage techniques, we can significantly extend their shelf life.

This guide explores how long bananas last, practical tips on how to make them last longer, whether refrigeration helps, and how to compost banana peels to turn kitchen waste into garden gold.

Growing your tomatoes can be one of the most rewarding gardening experiences. But did you know that your juicy tomatoes could carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella if not done carefully? With reports like the Salmonella outbreak tomatoes in the US and the UK, understanding how to grow tomatoes safely is more important than ever.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned green thumb, this guide walks you through every step, from choosing seeds to harvesting and storing to ensure your tomatoes are delicious and safe to eat.

Introduction to Compost​

What is Compost?​

Compost is decomposed organic matter from kitchen scraps, garden clippings, leaves, and other biodegradable materials. It's often called “black gold” because it can enrich soil, promote plant growth, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Through natural decomposition processes involving microbes, heat, and moisture, compost turns waste into nutrient-rich humus that's ready to nurture plants.

Benefits of Using Compost​

Using compost can significantly improve your garden in multiple ways:

• Improves soil structure – making it looser and better for root development.

• Enhances moisture retention – reducing the need for frequent watering.

• Boosts soil nutrients – releasing them slowly to support steady plant growth.

• Reduces waste – keeping organic materials out of landfills.

• Supports beneficial microbes – which help break down nutrients and fight diseases.

Introduction to Full Moon July 2025​

The full moon in July 2025, often called the Buck Moon, appears on July 21, 2025. This celestial event not only dazzles the night sky but also offers a unique opportunity for gardeners: plants rooted just before the full moon may thrive more robustly and yield stronger harvests.

Eggs are one of the most versatile and affordable kitchen staples, but have you ever wondered: do eggs expire? how long do eggs last in the fridge? Whether you're preparing a weekend breakfast or baking a cake, using fresh eggs is essential — not just for flavor, but for food safety, too.

Let's explore egg shelf life, expiration myths, how to tell if an egg is bad, and what to do with spoiled eggs, including how to compost eggs safely using a composter.