The Ultimate Guide to Composting: What to Compost (and What Not to), Plus How to Compost Valentine’s Day Flowers
Valentine’s Day flowers bring joy and beauty, but once they start wilting, it’s time to think about responsible disposal. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider composting! Composting is an eco-friendly way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. But before you toss everything into your compost bin, it’s important to know what can and can’t be composted.
Let’s break it down!
🌱 What to Compost
Composting works best with a balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials). Here’s what you can safely compost:
Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich, Moist)
Fresh flower petals and stems 🌹
Fruit and vegetable scraps 🍎🥕
Coffee grounds and filters ☕
Tea bags (without plastic) 🍵
Grass clippings and green leaves 🍃
Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich, Dry)
Dried flowers and petals 🌼
Cardboard (shredded) 📦
Paper napkins (unbleached, no ink) 📝
Twigs and small branches 🌳
Dead leaves 🍂
🚫 What Not to Compost
Some items can attract pests, create odors, or introduce harmful chemicals into your compost. Avoid these:
Glossy or dyed flowers – Many Valentine’s bouquets are dyed or sprayed with preservatives, which can introduce toxins. If unsure, throw them in the trash.
Ribbons, plastic wraps, or floral foam – These are non-biodegradable and should go in the trash or recycling (if applicable).
Dairy, meat, or oily foods – These attract pests and slow down composting.
Synthetic fabrics or plastic-coated paper – These won’t break down naturally.
💕 How to Compost Valentine’s Day Flowers
If your bouquet is made of untreated, natural flowers, follow these steps to compost them properly:
Remove Non-Compostable Materials – Take off any ribbons, plastic, wires, or floral foam. Only compost natural materials.
Chop or Shred Large Stems – Thick stems and woody parts break down slowly. Cut them into smaller pieces.
Mix Greens and Browns – Balance fresh flowers (greens) with dried petals or leaves (browns) to maintain a healthy compost pile.
Keep it Aerated – Turn your compost regularly to speed up decomposition.
Monitor Moisture – Your compost should be damp but not soggy. Add water if it’s dry, or more browns if it’s too wet.
❌ What to Do With Non-Compostable Items
Some Valentine’s Day bouquet components can’t be composted but can still be disposed of responsibly:
Ribbons & Plastic Wraps – Reuse them for craft projects or gift wrapping.
Glass Vases – Repurpose them for future flower arrangements or donate them.
Floral Foam – Unfortunately, this isn’t recyclable and should be disposed of in the trash.
🌿 What to Do With Your Finished Compost
Once your compost is ready (usually in a few months), put it to good use! Here are some ways to use your nutrient-rich soil:
Enrich garden soil – Mix compost into flower beds, vegetable gardens, or potted plants.
Boost lawn health – Sprinkle compost on your lawn to improve soil quality.
Feed indoor plants – Add a thin layer of compost to your houseplants for natural nourishment.
Give it away – Share compost with neighbors or local community gardens.
By composting your post-Valentine’s flowers and other organic waste, you help reduce landfill waste and create a more sustainable cycle of plant life. 💚♻️
Are you planning to compost your flowers this year? Let me know in the comments!
