What the Easter Bunny Doesn’t Tell You About Composting
a fun direct composting guide for this Easter Weekend!
Spring is in full swing, the tulips are blooming, and somewhere in your house, there’s probably still a lone jelly bean under the couch. Easter may be behind us, but it left a trail of garden gold in its wake — if you know where to look.
I’m talking about eggshells, veggie scraps, floral leftovers, and all the compost-friendly goodies that tend to pile up after a spring celebration. So before you toss anything in the trash or let those scraps molder in the back of the fridge, let me show you how to turn your Easter leftovers into soil magic — with almost no effort.
Because around here, we’re all about low-effort gardening, and direct composting is the ultimate “lazy genius” move.
Eggshells Aren’t Just for Decoration
After the egg hunts and brunch buffets, you’re probably swimming in cracked shells. Good news: eggshells are a secret weapon in the garden. They’re mostly calcium carbonate — which plants like tomatoes, peppers, and squash absolutely love. Calcium helps prevent issues like blossom end rot and supports overall plant health.
Here’s how to use them:
Rinse and crush them (you can air dry first, but it’s optional).
Sprinkle the crushed shells directly into planting holes or around the base of your plants.
Bury them with your other scraps to break down slowly in place.
No need to powder them or bake them unless you really want to — your soil microbes and worms will handle it.
Pro tip: Even dyed Easter eggshells are compost-safe if you used food-grade dye. If you used some Pinterest experiment with glitter or acrylic paint, maybe toss those in the trash (or save them for crafts).
Veggie Scraps = Bunny-Approved Compost Fuel
Easter menus tend to be loaded with root veggies, greens, and seasonal sides. Think: carrot tops, potato peels, beet greens, celery ends, and herb stems. All of that is perfect for direct composting.
Instead of collecting them in a bin, take them outside and:
Dig a small hole or trench — about 8-12 inches deep works great.
Dump the scraps straight in.
Cover with soil and walk away.
No pile, no turning, no waiting. Over time, those buried goodies will break down in place and enrich the soil right where your plants need it.
This method is especially great in:
Future garden beds (prepping for summer planting!)
Around perennials like fruit bushes or rhubarb
In between rows in raised beds or in-ground gardens
Bonus: you’re not just feeding the soil — you’re inviting earthworms to do the work for you.
Got Kids? Turn Composting Into a Game
Easter is all about hiding eggs. Why not extend the fun?
Let your kids (or your inner child) help bury food scraps like they’re secret garden treasures. You can even get creative:
“Who can find the best compost spot?”
“What happens if we bury a banana peel here?”
“Can we feed the garden with today’s snack leftovers?”
You’re teaching soil-building, reducing food waste, and making memories — all at once. Composting doesn’t have to be serious. Let it be joyful, messy, and a little weird.
Don’t Forget the Flowers
Did you receive (or gift) an Easter bouquet? When the petals start to fade, don’t throw them in the trash. Cut flowers are totally compostable — stems, petals, leaves and all.
Just avoid:
Wire, ribbon, or plastic wrap
Synthetic fragrance additives (some cheap bouquets have them sprayed on)
Chop the flowers up and toss them in your next compost trench or hole. Their nutrients will go right back into the earth — and maybe into your next crop of zinnias or sunflowers.
From Easter to Edibles: Why Direct Composting Rocks
If you’re new here, direct composting is the no-fuss cousin of traditional composting. Instead of building a pile, you bury scraps right in the ground and let nature do the work. No turning. No stinky bin. No waiting six months to “harvest” your compost.
Here’s why it rules:
Builds soil right where you plant
Reduces kitchen waste instantly
Boosts microbial life
Attracts beneficial bugs and worms
It’s invisible (no piles or bins in sight!)
It works even in small spaces — raised beds, containers, or tucked into flower borders
Think of it like “slow-release fertilizer” made from your own leftovers.
Spring Is the Season for Soil
Whether you're prepping new garden beds, feeding your perennials, or just tired of watching food scraps rot in your fridge, Easter is a great time to get into direct composting.
Next time you're about to toss those carrot tops, cracked eggshells, or sad-looking parsley, remember: your garden wants them.
So get out there, dig a little, bury a little, and let the Easter compost magic begin.
Because the best garden helpers aren't always the ones with floppy ears and a basket of eggs — sometimes, they’re you with a spoonful of scraps and a shovel.
Happy (direct) composting and Happy Spring!
If you liked this post, share it with your fellow low-effort gardeners — or anyone who’s still staring at a pile of dyed eggs wondering what the heck to do with them.
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It’s a simple, one-time way to toss a little love (or compost tea) my way and help me keep the garden writing flowing. Totally optional, always appreciated.