Compost or Not

Can I Compost Seeds?

Yes

Seeds can be composted.

What to Know

  • Seeds can be composted, but some may sprout in your compost pile
  • Most seeds will break down over time, adding nutrients to your compost
  • Heat from the composting process can kill many seeds, but some hardy seeds may survive

Tips

  • To prevent unwanted sprouting, ensure your compost pile reaches high temperatures (above 130°F) for several days
  • Crush or grind larger seeds before adding them to the compost
  • If you're concerned about weed seeds, consider hot composting methods or avoid adding seedy weeds to your pile