Skip the Compost Heap: Bury Your Food Scraps in the Garden Soil

Composting can feel like an extra chore for busy gardeners, especially when the heap turns into a smelly, buggy mess. But here’s a little secret: you can skip the compost bin entirely and bury your kitchen scraps straight into your garden soil. This method is sometimes called trench composting or direct composting, and it’s as old as gardening itself. Instead of letting scraps rot in a pile, you return them to the earth right where they belong.

The result? Healthier soil, happier plants, and less food waste. But there are right and wrong ways to do it. Let’s dig in.

Why Bury Food Scraps?

• Soil enrichment: As scraps break down underground, they feed soil microbes and earthworms.
• Moisture retention: Organic matter helps the soil hold water better.
• Low-maintenance: No turning, layering, or monitoring piles.
• Odor control: Buried scraps don’t attract flies the way compost bins can.
• Waste reduction: Less food waste in landfills means a smaller carbon footprint.

How to Do It Right

The Basic Method

1. Dig a hole or trench about 12–18 inches deep.
2. Drop your food scraps inside. Chop them up for faster breakdown.
3. Cover completely with soil, at least 6–8 inches of dirt on top to keep pests away.
4. Mark the spot so you remember where you buried things.

Dos and Don’ts

✅ Do:

• Rotate burial spots so one area doesn’t get overloaded.
• Chop or shred scraps into smaller pieces for quicker decomposition.
• Mix scraps with a little soil as you bury to help microbes do their job.
• Use this method in veggie beds during the off-season or between rows.
• Give at least 2–3 weeks or longer before planting directly over a burial spot.

❌ Don’t:

• Don’t bury scraps right under plant roots. Decomposition creates heat and gases that can damage roots.
• Don’t add meats, oils, dairy, or bones. These attract rodents and take much longer to break down.
• Don’t bury huge amounts in one hole. Spread it out.
• Don’t bury scraps too close to tree trunks or perennials.

Extra Tips for Success

• Worm magnets: Earthworms love buried scraps. You’ll naturally boost your worm population without buying them.
• Layer with brown matter: If you have old leaves, shredded cardboard, or paper, toss some in with scraps to balance nitrogen and carbon.
• Winter hack: In cold climates, dig trenches in fall, then keep a covered bucket of scraps to dump in and cover as weather allows.
• Raised beds: Dig mini-trenches inside raised beds to feed the soil from within.
• Crop rotation synergy: Bury scraps in areas that will grow heavy feeders (like tomatoes or corn) the following season.
• Use a garden marker: Small stones, sticks, or even plant tags help you track burial spots.

⚠ Cautions

• Root burn risk: Never bury scraps right under active plants. Wait weeks before planting on top.
• Rodent alert: If pests are a problem in your area, make sure to bury deeply and avoid meat, dairy, or oily foods.
• Overloading soil: Too much organic matter in one spot can lead to soggy, smelly soil. Spread it out across the garden.
• Citrus caution: Small amounts are fine, but too many citrus peels can make soil temporarily acidic.
• Pet safety: Avoid burying avocado skins, pits, or onion scraps if pets roam the area. These can be toxic.

Food & Garden Tips

• Save fruit peels, veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells for burial. These break down beautifully.
• Crush eggshells before burying to add calcium and prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes.
• Coffee grounds buried directly in soil can boost nitrogen, but balance with brown matter so soil does not get too acidic.
• Herb stems, banana peels, and melon rinds are garden gold. Chop them small for faster action.