By Jessica Jacobs, Contributing Writer
Did you know that the average household generates significant food waste every day? Often, we scrape our plates into the trash without a second thought, assuming there’s little use for leftovers or scraps. However, those food scraps hold surprising potential—especially for gardeners. Here’s why you should consider burying your food scraps instead of tossing them in the trash.
1. Food Scraps Decompose Naturally
When buried in the soil, food scraps like fruit peels, tea bags, and even paper towels break down naturally. Depending on the material, decomposition can take anywhere from a month to a year, turning waste into valuable organic matter.
2. Enrich Your Soil with Nutrients
Burying food scraps boosts soil health by providing essential nutrients that feed microorganisms. These microorganisms help create rich, fertile soil that’s perfect for growing healthy plants.
3. Reduce Waste and Save Money
By repurposing food scraps, you cut down on kitchen waste heading to landfills. Fewer garbage bags mean fewer disposal costs, helping you save money while supporting the environment.
4. Eliminate Bad Odors
Leaving food scraps in your trash can lead to unpleasant smells in your home. By burying them in your garden or composting them properly, you can avoid these odors entirely. A well-maintained compost system shouldn’t stink either!
5. Avoid Feeding Food Scraps to Dogs
While it may seem harmless, feeding food scraps to pets can lead to an unbalanced diet or health issues. Instead, bury those scraps—just avoid adding meat or dairy to keep the process clean and pest-free.
6. Improve Soil’s Water Retention
Food scraps improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture, benefiting your entire garden. Plants grown in soil enriched with buried scraps require less frequent watering, saving time and resources.
7. A Quick and Simple Composting Method
No fancy compost bins? No problem. Simply dig a hole 10-12 inches deep, toss in your food scraps, and cover them with soil. It’s an easy, low-maintenance way to help the environment and improve your garden.
8. Stronger, Healthier Plants
Food scraps promote healthier plants by enriching the soil. Studies suggest that compost can enhance the disease resistance of vegetables like tomatoes and even improve their flavor and nutritional value. Your family will thank you for tastier, healthier meals!
9. Natural Pest Control
Certain food scraps, such as garlic, act as a natural deterrent for pests like worms, ants, and other critters. With a little strategic burying, you can help protect your garden from unwanted invaders.
10. It’s Completely Free
Skip the expensive fertilizers. Burying food scraps is a cost-free way to nourish your garden and reduce household waste simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
Burying food scraps is a simple, sustainable solution with numerous benefits. Whether you’re an avid gardener or just starting, this eco-friendly practice helps the environment, saves money, and supports healthier plants.
Have you tried burying food scraps in your garden? Share these tips with friends and family who love gardening, and let them discover the rewards of this effortless and impactful habit!