One man’s trash....

Everyone is familiar with the benefits of compost. Not only does it reduce the amount of trash delivered to the landfill, but it also affords the gardener a supply of nutrient rich material that benefits the soil in many ways. Everyone, however, may not have the inclination or energy to devote to the care and feeding of a compost pile. A very dear friend in South East Texas who just turned 99 years old introduced me to a composting technique that I found out was called Direct Composting. This technique does not require turning a compost pile, but does effectively utilizes compostables including kitchen scraps and has a low time and energy demand on the gardener. In its simplest form, it involves burying organic material in the garden where it can compost and release nutrients into the soil. This is not a new concept. Every grade schooler is familiar with the story of the American Indians teaching the pilgrims to put fish parts into a hole and cover them with a little soil before planting corn seeds. Direct composting can be done with trenches between garden rows or as holes either at planting or beforehand. This method can be used in the winter and the composting will take place when the soil becomes warm. Digging holes in the garden after plants have germinated or after transplants have been set out needs to be done carefully so that tender roots are not damaged. After the hole or trough has been dug and three to four inches of organic material is added, another four to six inches of native soil should be put into the hole and tamped down gently. As the composting takes place, earthworms and other beneficials are attracted to the area. This is a good thing.

The types of materials that can be put into the hole or trough include trimmings from vegetables such as potato peelings, carrot and radish tops and ends trimmed from squash and onions. Keep in mind that the best composting takes place when there is a ratio of 4 parts browns to 1 part greens. Greens are exemplified by the things listed above, and browns are usually dried materials like leaves, grass clippings and shredded newspaper.

Coffee grounds and filters along with tea leaves and bags make excellent green additions to the compost hole. Along with helping to acidify the soil, they are high in nitrogen. It is best to add them a little at a time or a season prior to planting. Using washed coffee grounds lessens the acidifying effects. ›Hydrangeas, azaleas, camellias, roses, lilies, fruit plants like blueberries and root vegetable crops such as carrots and radishes benefit from coffee grounds. Coffee grounds also improve the physical properties of the soil improving aeration and water retention. Coffee grounds have been reported to help repel several insect pests, including fire ants. I have not seen the validity of the fire ant claim documented anywhere, but it is worth a try. ›

Banana peels are an excellent addition to the compost hole. Banana peels have been used for many years to feed and protect roses. The potassium in the peel helps the rose to resist many diseases. The potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur contained in the peels are also necessary for the health of plants. Chopping up the peel will hasten the composting process. Peels can be dried, chopped and stored in a dry area for use later. ›

Eggshells can also be utilized in the compost hole but should be ground to a fine texture before being used. Eggshells decompose very slowly unless they are in small pieces. Eggshells provide calcium which some authorities claim helps to prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes.