Top 10 Surprising Scraps You Can Bury in Your Garden
Most gardeners know fruit peels, veggie trimmings, and coffee grounds belong in the soil. But did you know your garden can handle much more than the usual scraps? When buried correctly, many everyday kitchen and household items can quietly break down underground and feed your plants. The trick is knowing which ones work and how to use them.
Here are ten surprising scraps you can bury in your garden soil for healthier, richer beds.
1. Paper Towels and Napkins
As long as they’re free of chemicals, dyes, or grease, used paper towels and napkins decompose quickly. They add carbon to balance out nitrogen-rich food scraps.
Tip: Tear them into strips before burying.
2. Cardboard Egg Cartons
Plain cardboard (no glossy print) breaks down and improves soil structure. Egg cartons can even be torn into little seedling-starting cups before burying.
Tip: Soak pieces in water first to help them decompose faster.
3. Nut Shells
Almond, peanut, and pistachio shells eventually break down and help aerate the soil. Walnut shells can be tricky though - they contain juglone, which some plants dislike.
Tip: Crush shells into smaller bits before burying.
4. Hair (Yes, Really)
Human and pet hair is rich in nitrogen and slowly releases nutrients as it breaks down.
Tip: Mix hair into soil pockets with other scraps. Don’t leave it clumped on top of the soil.
5. Stale Bread in Tiny Bits
In small amounts, bread adds organic matter. Just bury it deeply so critters don’t sniff it out.
Tip: Mix with dry leaves or shredded paper to prevent soggy clumps.
6. Old Spices and Herbs
Expired cinnamon, turmeric, or dried basil in your pantry still hold nutrients and trace minerals.
Tip: Sprinkle lightly into a trench and cover well.
7. Nut Milk Pulp
If you make homemade almond or oat milk, the leftover pulp is garden gold. It’s soft, breaks down fast, and feeds microbes.
Tip: Spread thinly in the soil so it doesn’t get slimy.
8. Seaweed Scraps
If you live near the coast and can collect seaweed (where legal), it’s packed with minerals. You can also bury leftover dried seaweed from your kitchen.
Tip: Rinse fresh seaweed well to remove excess salt.
9. Vacuum Cleaner Dust
This one surprises people. Dust often contains hair, lint, and skin cells - all organic. Just make sure it’s from natural fibers, not synthetic carpet fluff.
Tip: Only use dust if you don’t use chemical carpet powders.
10. Old Flowers and Houseplant Trimmings
Bouquet stems and faded petals may be past their prime, but they’re perfect for your soil. Houseplant trimmings work the same way.
Tip: Chop flowers into smaller sections so they break down quicker.
⚠ Cautions
- Pest alert: Bread, grains, and nut shells can attract rodents if not buried at least 8 inches deep.
- Synthetic watch: Never bury glossy paper, plastic-coated cartons, or hair with dyes or treatments.
- Balance matters: Too many carbon-rich scraps like cardboard can lock up nitrogen. Mix with fruit and veggie waste.
- Avoid walnut shells: They may inhibit the growth of certain plants like tomatoes and peppers.
Extra Tips
- Keep a small “surprise scrap bucket” in your kitchen for these unusual items.
- Shred or chop scraps as small as possible to speed breakdown.
- Pair dry scraps (like shells or cardboard) with wet ones (like fruit peels) to balance moisture.
- If you’re nervous about pests, bury in trenches between garden rows instead of right inside planting holes.
