Salted Peanut Shells - can it be used in organic soil ?

[St. Phatty]

I have a habit that results in BIG PILES of salted peanut shells.

Normal amount of salt.

In the past I would dump it on the ground next to the compost pile, let it be washed by the rain a few weeks, then rake it into the compost pile.

How bad would it be to use it as a mulch where the plant gets a dose of salt whenever you water ?

Does the plant even care ?

Is that an amount of salt that hurts the plant, e.g. a 1/2 inch mulch of peanut shells over a 2 foot diameter pot ?

Or do Cannabis plants like a small amount of salt ?

 

[Capt.Ahab]

I doubt it would hurt them but I would soak them overnight in fresh water, drain then rinse before use. But that's just what I'd do.

 

[Siever]

I wouldn't use 'em unless they're washed.

 

[Ratzilla]

I doubt it would hurt them but I would soak them overnight in fresh water, drain then rinse before use. But that's just what I'd do.

I wouldn't use 'em unless they're washed.

If I was to think about using anything that had a salt content I would for sure give them a rinsing before .
Ratz

 

[Brianmooredc1]

Lol, I just threw away like 2 pounds of peanut shells... I debated composting, or feeding to the worms, but I pussed out worrying about the salt level. Not sure if it would be ok or not honestly... but I didn't take the chance!

 

[Bud Green]

Salt on peanut shells would eventually build up to the point it was detrimental. How long that would take, I don't know.

As most comments have said, if you put your shells in a bucket of water for an hour, the salt would dissolve and could be poured off.

I think those rinsed off peanut shells would make excellent mulch!

 

[aridbud]

Salt on peanut shells would eventually build up to the point it was detrimental. How long that would take, I don't know.

As most comments have said, if you put your shells in a bucket of water for an hour, the salt would dissolve and could be poured off.

I think those rinsed off peanut shells would make excellent mulch!

Just what I was going to say. Seems to laborious for benefits.....add to compost pile after soaking, ridding the salt....and use in the garden that way. Also, if you're lacking in high-nitrogen ingredients, then they will take longer to compost. Yes, peanut shells can be compostable, but be sure that there is no salt on them. Often peanut shells have been salted, and these should not be added to compost because the salt will stay in the soil and damage plants.

 

[Brianmooredc1]

Just what I was going to say. Seems to laborious for benefits.....add to compost pile after soaking, ridding the salt....and use in the garden that way. Also, if you're lacking in high-nitrogen ingredients, then they will take longer to compost. Yes, peanut shells can be compostable, but be sure that there is no salt on them. Often peanut shells have been salted, and these should not be added to compost because the salt will stay in the soil and damage plants.

That's what I was worried about... id still say better to be safe then sorry

 

[St. Phatty]

I think those rinsed off peanut shells would make excellent mulch!

Yes. One of those garden tasks where procrastination can be helpful

I dumped the shells next to the compost pile I want to use them in.

Far enough away that the small amount of salt doesn't end up rinsed into the compost pile.

Then I let it get rained on and rake it into the pile around January.


Though I have to wonder if the redworms in a compost pile have taste buds enough to enjoy a mild salt taste.

 

[RB56]

Switch to unsalted peanuts - the way god intended them. Seriously, takes about one day to get used to unsalted. Then you'll have clean mulch and maybe not a stroke