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How to Direct Compost

Direct Compost

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If you’ve been hesitant to jump on the composting train, then I may have an easy solution for you. Direct compost was introduced to me over a year ago by a fellow blogger, Karen (you can check out her blog here). I had been a fairly traditional tumbler-owning composter for a few years when she mentioned direct composting to me. While I do enjoy bin or pile composting, this more direct method did sound appealing. Less work and no pile? I was definitely interested in learning more!

What is Direct Composting?

Much like the name implies, direct composting involves putting your composting materials directly into the flower bed or garden area. Instead of having a separate pile where your brown and green matter breaks down, you allow it to compost in the actual bed. This saves time, since you won’t have to transfer your compost from bin to garden. And it may also save your back from turning the pile and using the shovel and wheelbarrow!

How to Direct Compost
  1. Collect the organic matter you would like to compost. (We use a pail like this.) This can be kitchen scraps (no meat or oil), dead leaves, grass clippings, etc. For a full list of what you can compost, see my post here.
  2. Dig a small trench in the flower bed or garden area you’ve chosen. Aim for at least six inches deep, especially if you have dogs, who like to dig for treasure!
  3. Dump your compostable materials in the trench and cover with dirt. Direct Compost
  4. Tamp down the dirt gently with your foot and voila! Your organic matter will break down under the surface and you’ll never have to think about it again. It’s really an easy way to compost especially if you’re just getting started. Direct Compost
Bin vs. Direct Composting

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve used a tumbler composter and grew up with a compost pile in the backyard. So, direct composting was a new concept for me. In testing it out, here are a few drawbacks to using the direct method vs. a bin or pile:

  • Direct composting isn’t ideal for large amounts of organic matter. If you are making daily trips to the composter, then you may not want to use the direct method. (The exception is if you dig a good sized trench and gradually fill it up. But you’ll need to be careful for animals getting into your open trench.)
  • In flower beds, be careful not to dig too close to plants whose roots may be damaged by your shovel or spade.
  • It does seem faster and easier to have a pile or bin so you’re not having to dig holes each time you want to dump your compostables.
Seasonal Direct Composting

I opt for using direct composting seasonally. For me, this means using this method in the late fall and winter, when my garden may not be actively used. The reason for this is I can easily dig up a trench in a raised bed and fill it over a week or two. Our gardens are fenced in, so our dog can’t access the “goods”. (Here’s how we have our beds fenced in.) Also, the late fall and winter is when our chickens get free range in the garden area, and since they leave their own compost behind, we work that into the dirt as well.

I love directly composting in the months our garden soil is at rest. The soil is taking a break from providing growing plants with nutrients, and it is being recharged at the same time. As with lots of gardening techniques and ideas, try it out and see how it works for you. There are plenty of gardeners who use this method exclusively, and I’d love to hear if you enjoy direct composting!

Have a great week and happy gardening!

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Spring Garden: What to Grow?

what to plant in spring garden

Tiny buds on the tips of tree branches, pink blossoms peeking through, daffodils dancing… all of these things call out that spring is two weeks away! I can hardly believe it, and while our winter has been pretty mild, I have to say that I’m beyond excited for warmer weather to be on its way. I’m also thrilled to begin planting my garden, and one of my favorite things to do is to plan what I’ll be planting. While I’m not a type-A person who needs everything written down and planned, there is something about making garden plans that puts me in a good mood.

So, how do you decide what to grow in your spring garden? Well, there are some factors to consider before you start buying plants and seeds.

What do you like to eat? I know this may seem like an obvious question, but I’ve run into a few gardeners in my time who grow things even though they don’t really like to eat them. Don’t waste the space. Think about what both you and your family enjoy, and grow those things! My family loves tomatoes, cucumber, squash, and okra, so these are always staples in my garden. They’re not such big fans of eggplant (unless it’s breaded and fried), so I only grow one or two plants. Always consider what you’ll actually eat.

Season specific- While you may absolutely love Brussel sprouts, you’ll probably want to wait for your later summer/fall garden to plant these. Check the tag on any plants or seeds you’re considering purchasing and know your zone. This will keep you from being disappointed about that failing mid-summer collard green patch.

Size matters- Think about how much space you have, and plan accordingly. For a small, raised bed garden, think about what you can grow in square foot plots, and what you can trellis (to save space). If you’re not encumbered by space, then plant plenty, and consider putting up any extra in your freezer to use through the fall and winter, or bless your neighbors with some of your garden bounty!
Compliments all around- Besides fruits and veggies, growing herbs and flowers in the garden can attract bees, which help the overall health of your garden (pollination, anyone?). Growing basil is a great addition to your spring salads, marigolds are beautiful to the eye and a lovely garden addition (they’re also edible if you’re willing to give them a try). Zinnas, which will grow taller than many garden veggies, add height and color and are perfect for cutting and decorating indoors.
Whatever you decide to plant, have fun with it! Try new things and eat food that you’ve grown with your own two hands. And if you have kids, they’ll love being able to pick fruit and veggies fresh from the garden. So, what are you planning to plant this year? Will you try anything new? Happy Gardening!

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What to Compost (It’s so easy!)

One of the first things people wonder when they begin thinking about composting is “what can I put in my compost bin?” Well let me be the first to tell you that leftover meatloaf from last week is definitely not a contender for the compost pile. To be honest, there are several different trains of thought when it comes to what breaks down in compost, but in general, you want to have a good combination of “greens” and “browns.” Say what? If that seems like Greek to you, then let me take a moment to tell you what you can compost.

WhattoCompost

What to Compost

A healthy compost pile will contain a good mixture of both green and brown materials. A good combination of these biodegradable materials will ensure that your compost pile is active and thriving.

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Greens (Nitrogen-rich materials):

This will be your

  • veggie scraps
  • coffee grounds
  • tea bags
  • grass clippings
  • egg shells

Many composting greens come from your kitchen. These are things that come to mind when people think “composting.” And while they’re great, they’re not the only thing necessary for a successful compost pile.

Browns (Carbon-rich materials): 

A lot of these materials are well… brown.

  • dried leaves
  • foliage trimmings
  • paper bags
  • cardboard (don’t forget toilet paper and paper towel tubes)
  • shredded newspaper and paper. (Not the shiny sales papers, but just the black and white print)
  • wood shavings

No-No’s- Meat or meat products (Spam anyone?), oil or foods cooked in oil, bones, diseased plants or leaves. Trust me on this; you do NOT want these to go in there. They’ll mess up the mojo of your compost pile. For a complete list of what NOT to compost, see my post, or click the image below.

what not to compost infographic

Why the combination? Just like I need a delicate balance of coffee and chocolate to function, you balance out your compost pile with this combination that keeps the pile doing its job and breaking down all of those kitchen goodies you’re putting in there. So if you want that “black gold” useable for your garden, then just make sure you’re putting in both greens and browns equally. 

Your pile will also need to be turned and kept moist, but not soaking wet. Find all of the details of getting your pile up and running in my post How to Start Composting. 

Do I just dump materials in my compost?

Basically, yes. The one thing you want to keep in mind is that the larger a piece of material is, the longer it takes to break down, so here are a few tips:

  • Crush egg shells (by hand or in a blender if you’re fancy.)
  • Chop up any large scraps (I do this while I’m still doing my chopping on the cutting board.)
  • Rip newspaper (When I’m done with the paper, I rip it into strips before putting it in my “brown bag”.)
  • Ask for paper bags at the store, then use them to hold your newspaper shreds. You can shred the bag too and put it in the compost.
  • Here’s a great printable to post up on your fridge as a reminder of what can and cannot be composted:

what to compost image

Have tips to share about what’s worked with your compost pile? Be sure to comment below and share them!

Other Composting Articles:

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How to Start Composting (Part 1)

Interested in reducing waste but not sure how to start composting? I’ve got you covered!

Compost isn’t the most attractive name. For the sake of writing, I wish it was called something like Black Gold or really any other name that emphasized how awesome composting really is. And despite entire books devoted to it, learning how to start composting isn’t difficult.

how to start composting

Getting Started Composting

However, learning how to start composting isn’t always a perfect process. If you’ve read my other post, then you know I took a two-month composting hiatus because I’d turned into a fruit fly assassin. I’m sure the fruit fly war in my house was partially self-induced and partly weather related.

So I’m back in the saddle and filling my countertop pail with gusto! The picture above is actually my compost pail. I never in my life would have imagined that I’d be taking a picture of its contents, but life is strange… affiliate link policy

Why You Should Try Composting 

Maybe you’re reading this and your interest in learning how to start composting is less than zero. Well, I challenge you to simply pay attention for ONE DAY to how many fruit and vegetable items you put into your trash can. Include coffee grounds, egg shells, tea bags, and newspaper into your observations since these are compostable items.

I know in the two months I didn’t compost, I was throwing away tons of compostable materials. So, if you’re wondering if you would even have enough “stuff” to compost, then do a simple one-day observation.  Consider what you’d be keeping from going into a plastic bag and into a landfill where it would take years and years to actually break down.

So instead of sending those materials into a landfill, walk them out into your backyard. Let nature take those scraps and turn them into rich food for your garden and plants. Even if you don’t garden, learning how to start composting will cut down on the waste you produce and let your gardening friend or neighbor use it when they have need.

You may reap some fruit or veggie rewards for helping them out.  And though composting can get a bad rap as being a stinky pile sitting in your yard, if done well, compost piles don’t stink. True story. They are small factories working in your backyard, and you’ll be amazed at how kitchen and yard waste breaks down into beautiful rich compost for your yard and garden.                                                                                                                                                                                                how to start composting

How to start a compost pile

1.) Get a container. My Granny would cut the top off of a milk jug, leaving the handle so it was easier to carry. You can buy a compost pail, but it’s not absolutely necessary. A lid is optional, but I personally don’t like to see the compost sitting there on the counter, so I go for a lid. Here’s a simple pail that includes a charcoal filter, which helps to block out any odors in the pail.

2.) Designate a spot in the backyard for your compost. If you’re just starting out, pick a spot that’s out of the way that gets some sun (not necessarily full sun). There are several ways to begin your pile:

    • Buy a composter– You can find them at your local hardware store, and they come in a variety of shapes and styles. We’ve used several, but I find I like the style that rotates; this makes turning the pile a no-brainer. Here’s one on Amazon: Yimby Tumbler Composter, Color Black
    • Build a composter– This can be as simple or as fancy as you want it to be. Living Green and Frugally has a great post about building the ultimate composter with three sections for various stages of compost. Check that out here.  Or if you want to keep things simple, you can get some simple wire fencing and make a large tube (no top or bottom obviously); secure it with zip ties, and put it where you want your compost pile to be. Boom. Instant composter. The important thing to remember is that your compost pile needs air and moisture, so fencing does a good job of keeping your pile in one place, but also allowing the pile to breathe.
    • Direct compost– One of my readers, Karen from To Work With My Hands, suggested direct composting, which means she digs a hole in her garden or bed and directly puts her compostable materials in it. So simple! I’ve seen some folks who do this in a trench form. They dig a small trench in an area of their yard and once it’s full of compostable materials, they cover it, and it gets to work. (I don’t think the trench would work for us since we have two dogs who will eat anything, and I mean ANYTHING.) Direct Compost

3.) Turn it… turn it good. Compost doesn’t like to sit still. Your compost needs to be turned (every week or so) to get some air flowing and encourage the break down of all that goodness. If you don’t turn it for a while, no big deal, just turn when you remember to. By turning, I mean to literally turn if you have a composter on a stand, or to use a shovel to take what’s in the bottom and move it to the top. Mix it up! There are also compost aerators, which turn and let air into the compost, which is necessary for proper break down.

4.) Keep it moist. You never want you compost to be dry, so if you go a while without any rain, then just spray some water on it enough to moisten. This helps the composting process.

5.) Use it! Come spring, or whenever you decide to plant something, get to the bottom of your pile and scoop out the black gold. Or, if you’re using a 3-bin system, use the fully composted materials in the third bin. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t see the kitchen scraps, leaves, etc. They’ve broken down enough at this point to be unrecognizable. If you can, put the compost in your beds a week or so before planting. If you’re like me and simply never remember to do this, then use it the day of… I haven’t had any problems doing this.

how to start composting infographic

How long does it take to compost?

Most compost if kept moist and turned will break down in anywhere from 3 to 12 months. You’ll know that compost is ready when you can no longer see recognizable food and leaves, in your pile. Instead, you’ll have rich, useable compost for your yard and garden. There may still be some larger pieces, but you can always scoop these out and add them back to the pile.

So consider the size of scraps and yard waste you’re adding to your compost pile. Chopped leaves and fruit/veggie scraps will break down much more quickly than larger yard waste and tougher scraps like corn cobs.

Also, Compost piles and bins in warm climates will naturally break down more quickly than those in cooler climates.

Learning how to start composting is a great step towards reducing waste and creating an amazing gardening amendment in your own yard. I’d love to know if you’ve given composting a try and how it’s worked out so far! Have a great week!

Now, what you compost and how much kitchen scraps (greens) you include versus leaf mulch (browns) is important. This can also be the difference between a stinky, rotting pile in your backyard and a fully broken down pile of black gold. Check out Part 2: What to Compost

How to Use Compost

To use the compost you’ve created, place it as a “dressing” around established plants and trees. This will feed your plants, and they will love it. Beware of mounding the compost into a “compost volcano.” A few inches of compost is sufficient.

Don’t use your compost as potting soil. It’s not balanced enough on its own. Instead, use your compost as a part of a potting soil mix. Check out my easy DIY Potting Soil recipe to know how to make your own at home and save money!  Not to mention, you’ll know exactly what is in the potting soil you make at home.

Other Ways to Keep Your Yard and Garden Healthy

Much like creating our own compost, protecting our backyard ecosystem is important to us. Pest control is also an area where we like to keep natural, and this means cutting out the use of harmful pesticides that may kill pests. These harsh chemicals do kill pests, but they also affect pollinators, good insects, and our entire backyard ecosystem. There are natural ways to control pests in your backyard using simple methods and natural pest control helps such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth. Check out my new book Natural Pest Control for the Home Garden to see what it’s all about! And know that composting and natural pest control are amazing ways to keep your yard thriving and your plants flourishing!

Natural Pest Control for the Home Garden includes:

  • Specific Pests with pictures during each stage of life
  • Plant Damage images with causes
  • Natural Pest Repellent options based on the type of pest
  • Prevention techniques such as healthy soil and interplanting
  • Companion Plants for pest control
  • The sense of satisfaction when you get the upper hand on garden pests!

Want some free tips on natural gardening? Check out my video below!

Natural Gardening Helps

What to Compost (It's so easy!)

Getting Rid of Cabbage Worms

How to Stop Aphids in the Garden

How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles

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