Spring Garden Prep: What to Bury and What to Plant
Spring Is Here—and Your Soil Is Hungry!
There’s something about the first true days of spring that stirs the soul of a gardener. The air smells different—like damp earth and possibility. The sun lingers a little longer. The birds are louder, more opinionated. And somewhere deep in your garage or shed, your trowel is calling your name.
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or you’ve just bought your first packet of seeds, one truth remains the same: a great garden doesn’t start with plants. It starts with the soil. Rich, living soil is the quiet engine behind every vibrant bloom and every juicy tomato. And the best way to build that soil? Start by giving it a little feast.
This time of year is perfect for a bit of strategic burying and planting. Before you start filling garden beds and tucking seeds into neat rows, take a moment to feed the underground. Because if you treat your soil well now, it’ll reward you all season long—with stronger plants, fewer pests, and more food than you know what to do with.
Let’s talk about direct composting. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by fancy compost systems, bins that need turning, or piles that take forever to break down—you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: composting doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, you can do it right in your garden beds, no extra equipment needed.
I call it “compost pockets.” You just dig a small trench or hole where your plants will go, bury kitchen scraps directly in the soil, cover it back up, and walk away. Nature takes care of the rest. Microbes, worms, and fungi move in, break everything down, and turn it into nutrient gold. It’s composting the low-effort way—and it works like magic.
Scraps That Deserve a Spot Underground:
Vegetable and Fruit Scraps – Think peels, cores, wilted greens. Chop them up for faster breakdown.
Coffee Grounds & Tea Leaves – Rich in nitrogen and beloved by worms. Your soil’s morning pick-me-up.
Eggshells – Crushed, they release calcium slowly. Great for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
Stale Bread & Cooked Grains (in moderation) – These break down nicely but bury them deep to avoid feeding critters.
Weeds (as long as they haven’t gone to seed) – Recycle them into the soil as green manure.
Grass Clippings & Dead Leaves – Layer them in to boost moisture retention and carbon content.
Old or Mushy Potatoes – They’ll decompose, or possibly surprise you with a volunteer patch.
Skip These: Meat, dairy, oils, or anything greasy. These attract pests and don’t break down well underground.
PRO TIP: Bury your compost at least two weeks before planting in that spot. If you’re planting right away, tuck the scraps in between rows or near deep-rooted crops. The roots will stretch toward the good stuff as it breaks down.
A Quick Word on Paper and Cardboard:
I get a lot of questions about using paper in compost, and here’s my take: it’s a “yes, but...” situation. Shredded paper and cardboard can definitely be composted, but they tend to dry things out and may contain inks, dyes, or glues that aren’t ideal for your soil—especially in direct composting. I save mine for mulch layers, worm bins, or sheet composting where I can keep an eye on how they break down.
What to Plant: Early Spring Superstars
Once you’ve tucked your kitchen scraps underground, it’s time to turn your attention to what’s going above the soil—your future meals, medicine, and flower bouquets. Early spring is all about cool-loving crops and establishing perennials that will come back year after year with minimal effort.
Best Early Spring Crops:
Peas – They love the chill and actually give nitrogen back to the soil. Double win.
Leafy Greens – Spinach, lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard are all fast-growing, frost-tolerant, and perfect for impatient gardeners.
Garlic & Onions – Didn’t get them in last fall? You can still plant garlic for a smaller summer harvest, or quick-growing green onions for near-instant gratification.
Brassicas – Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts—all heavy feeders that love rich soil.
Root Veggies – Carrots, radishes, beets. These love compost-enriched, loose soil. And honestly? Homegrown carrots taste like candy.
Strawberries – Spring is the time to start a new patch or revive an old one. Give them compost and watch them take off.
Perennial Herbs & Flowers – Chives, thyme, oregano, lemon balm, echinacea—these come back year after year and keep pollinators happy.
Corn & Squash – For later in spring, especially in warmer zones. Start dreaming of a Three Sisters garden now.
The Spring Garden Game Plan
You don’t need to overhaul your entire garden in one weekend. A slow, thoughtful start can actually lead to better results. Here’s how to ease into the season while laying down a solid foundation.
1. Start with Compost Pockets
Before planting, dig small holes or trenches for your heaviest feeders—tomatoes, corn, squash, brassicas. Bury your compost there. By the time the roots reach down, the buffet will be ready.
2. Layer in Cover Crops or Mulch
Not planting immediately? Sow cover crops like clover or hairy vetch to build even more soil life. Already planting? Mulch with straw, leaves, or wood chips to lock in moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Use a “Trap Crop”
Some pests wake up with the same spring excitement we do. Lure aphids, flea beetles, and other nibblers away from your main crops with a sacrificial row of mustard, radishes, or even nasturtiums.
4. Plan for Succession
Plant fast-growers like radishes and lettuce now, and have your summer crops ready to slide into those spots once they’re harvested. Think of it like crop musical chairs—with way tastier results.
DIG, DROP, GROW
That’s it. No fancy fertilizers, no heavy lifting. Just a bit of food for your soil, the right crops for the season, and a willingness to let nature do what it does best. Your underground workforce—worms, microbes, fungi—is already on the job.
So go ahead. Grab a shovel. Embrace the mess. Bury your scraps, plant your seeds, and let your garden grow itself into something beautiful. Spring is here, and it’s time to get your hands dirty.
Your soil is hungry. Feed it well—and it will feed you right back.
Happy growing, and happy burying!
this method just invites rodents to your garden. The food takes time to rot and break down which uses up nitrogen from the soil. So once the rodents eat what they can they start eating your vegetables. A compost can with food layered with shredded paper will keep rodents out of your compost pile. Once the can is full let it sit for six months then add the rotted mess to the middle of the compost pile. No rodents will be interested then.