In-Ground Composting: A How To Guide

Composting In Place, Trench Composting, Direct Composting, whatever you want to call it. This is a straight forward 'Guide' to do it.

When I first started gardening, I followed the traditional route: a compost bin. It seemed like the "right" way to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost. But over time, I realized the process took months, required frequent turning, and often attracted pests more than directly burying it. There had to be a simpler way—and I found it: in-ground composting. Now, instead of waiting months, I have rich, dark soil in just a few weeks.

What Is In-Ground Composting?

In-ground composting is the process of burying kitchen scraps directly into the soil. It eliminates the need for a separate compost bin and speeds up decomposition by allowing microbes, worms, and other soil-dwelling organisms to break down organic matter right where it's buried. The result? A fast, hands-off way to enrich your garden soil.

Why I Switched

Here’s why I ditched the compost bin for in-ground composting:

1. Faster Results: Traditional composting can take months to yield usable compost. With in-ground composting, I started noticing richer soil within weeks.

2. Less Maintenance: No turning, layering, or worrying about moisture levels. Once the scraps are buried, nature does the rest.

3. Less Pest Pressure: By burying the scraps at least 8-12 inches deep, I’ve avoided issues with pests like rodents and raccoons ransacking the compost.

4. Space-Saving: Without a bulky compost bin, my garden feels more open and organized.

How to Start In-Ground Composting

If you’re ready to give this method a try, here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Your Spot: Pick an area in your garden where you’d like to improve the soil. Avoid spots near tree roots or plants that might compete for nutrients.

2. Dig a Trench or Hole: Use a shovel to dig a hole about 8-12 inches deep. The depth ensures the scraps decompose underground without attracting pests.

3. Add Kitchen Scraps: Toss in fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other organic materials. Avoid meat, dairy, or oily foods, as they decompose more slowly and may attract animals.

4. Cover and Compact: Fill the hole with the soil you removed and tamp it down lightly. This helps keep pests out and allows microbes and worms to access the scraps easily.

5. Rotate Locations: To evenly enrich your garden, bury scraps in a new spot each time. Over time, you’ll have pockets of fertile soil throughout your garden.

The Results: Black Gold

After a few weeks, I checked one of my earlier burial spots. The soil was darker, richer, and teeming with worms. This "black gold" is now the foundation of my garden’s health. My perennials are thriving, and my flowers have never looked better.

Tips for Success

• Use Perennial Beds: Burying scraps near perennials gives these plants a direct nutrient boost.

• Compost Year-Round: Even in cooler months, decomposition continues, though it may slow down.

• Mix in Yard Waste: If you have leaves or grass clippings, add them to the holes for extra organic matter.

Why It’s A Perfect Substitute

In-ground composting is as simple as it gets. No tools, bins, or waiting for the "perfect" compost pile. By working with nature instead of against it, this method saves time and energy while delivering incredible results.

So, if you’re ready to simplify your composting routine and see faster results, grab a shovel and start burying those kitchen scraps. Your garden will thank you!

Happy Composting!!