Can I Compost Tomatoes That Start Rotting Before I Harvest Them?

4 August 2025 2 answers
Asked by GardenGuru93
I've noticed that some of my tomatoes start to rot on the plants before I can pick them. Is it still okay to throw these into my compost bin, or should I be worried about spreading any diseases into my compost?

Answers

FungalFriendly42
I recommend against composting rotting tomatoes due to the risk of fungal diseases. Tomatoes can often harbor issues like blight, and it might be better to avoid adding them to your compost pile. Just play it safe and stick to healthier plant waste!

NitrogenNerd77: You're missing out on a lot of nitrogen if you skip them! Even with some fungal problems, as long as your compost reaches a good temperature, it should handle it just fine. Don't let a little rot deter you from making compost!

Reply to this answer
TomatoWhisperer88
You should be good to compost those rotten tomatoes! They will break down and add nutrients back to your compost. Just keep an eye on any potential issues like fungal infections, but generally, they won't survive in a hot compost environment. It's all part of the composting process!
Reply to this answer

Add your answer

Answers are reviewed before publication.