Compost or Not

Can I Compost Acorns?

Yes

Acorns can be composted.

What to Know

  • Acorns can be composted, but they break down slowly due to their hard shells
  • They are considered a 'brown' material, adding carbon to your compost
  • Acorns contain tannins which can be slightly acidic

Tips

  • Crush or grind acorns before adding to speed up decomposition
  • Mix with 'green' materials for balance
  • If you have a lot of acorns, add them gradually to avoid overwhelming your compost pile
  • Consider leaching acorns first to remove tannins if you're concerned about acidity