Compost It or Repurpose It? Making the Most of Garden “Waste”

What I toss, trench, or totally reuse in my garden and you can to!

Gardening is full of choices. Do you prune or let things be? Tidy up or let the chaos work its magic? When it comes to garden waste, I like to ask a different kind of question: Should I compost this... or could it be useful somewhere else?

As a low-effort gardener (I prefer that over lazy, thank you very much), I’m always looking for ways to work with nature, not against it. That means using what I already have—like those piles of leaves, clippings, and end-of-season plant debris—in ways that nourish the garden without creating more work for myself.

Before you haul everything off to the compost pile (or trench it right into your soil), let’s pause and see if any of that so-called waste deserves a second chance.

Compost It! When Scraps Should Go Underground

Some garden leftovers are best served straight to the soil buffet—no frills, just buried, layered, or tossed into your compost heap (or if you’re like me, tucked right into a trench between your veggie rows).

Leaf Litter & Dead Plants (Non-Diseased)

Compost it!
Leaves are nature’s mulch. If they’re dry and crunchy, shred them and layer them into your compost or trench them in your planting beds. They break down beautifully and boost your soil’s organic matter. Think of them as compost candy—cheap, abundant, and oh-so-good for the soil.

Grass Clippings

Compost it (in moderation)!
A little goes a long way. Fresh grass is nitrogen-rich, but pile it too thick and you’ll end up with a slimy mess. Mix with dry browns (like leaves or shredded paper) or sprinkle lightly as mulch around hungry crops like corn or squash.

Vegetable & Fruit Scraps

Compost it!
These are compost royalty. I usually dig a trench right in the garden, toss in kitchen scraps, and cover with soil. It’s like feeding your soil from the inside out—no bin needed.

Soft Green Pruning's

Compost it!
Spent flower heads, tender trimmings, herb cuttings—they all break down fast. Chop them small for quicker composting, or sneak them into your trench layers.

Spent Annuals & Garden Leftovers

Compost it!
When your marigolds or basil have had their moment, send them off in style—into the compost. Just make sure they’re not diseased. (Powdery mildew doesn’t need a second act.)

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Repurposing It: When Garden Waste Deserves a Second Life!

Not everything needs to rot. Some garden “waste” is just untapped potential. These bits and pieces can be repurposed to work harder and smarter in your garden—without making you work harder.

Woody Branches & Twigs

Repurpose it!
Too slow for compost, but perfect for:

• Hugelkultur beds (they soak up moisture and feed soil as they slowly break down)

• Natural pea or bean trellises

• Rustic garden edging that actually looks kind of charming

Fallen Leaves

Repurpose it!
Yes, you can compost them—but you can also:

• Use them as mulch to protect soil and suppress weeds

• Pile them up and make leaf mold (a moisture-retaining, crumbly gold for your beds)

Large Stems & Sunflower Stalks

Repurpose it!
Big, sturdy stems? They’re compost-resistant but super useful:

• Use as plant stakes

• Leave hollow stems for native bees to nest in (your garden will thank you)

Weeds (Before They Go to Seed)

Repurpose it!
Don’t toss ‘em—turn ‘em into:

• Chop-and-drop mulch: Lay freshly pulled weeds around plants to feed and protect the soil

• Weed tea: Steep in a bucket of water for a funky but effective liquid fertilizer

Pine Needles & Cones

Repurpose it!
Acidic and slow to break down, but:

• Pine needles are great mulch for blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas

• Pine cones make natural pest-deterring mulch or add texture to paths

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Here’s my rule of thumb:
If it feeds the soil, compost it.
If it can do another job, repurpose it.
If it can do both? Even better.

The more we think of garden waste as a resource, the less we’ll need from outside inputs. That’s good for your wallet, your soil, and your sanity—especially if, like me, you’d rather let the garden do some of the heavy lifting.

So next time you're holding a handful of clippings, ask yourself: Can I use this somewhere else? Chances are, the answer is yes.

HAPPY GARDENING!🪻🧑🏼‍🌾