Composting Kitchen Scraps: a Comprehensive Guide to Different Composting Methods

Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, and it can also be used to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Kitchen scraps are a great source of compost material, but they can attract critters if not handled properly. In this blog post, we explore different methods of composting kitchen scraps, from traditional bin composting to “in situ” composting.

Traditional bin composting is an easy way to manage kitchen scraps. All you need is a compost bin and some basic materials like straw or leaves. Simply add your kitchen scraps to the bin and cover them with the other materials. The bin should be turned occasionally to ensure even decomposition. This method works well for those who don't have a lot of time on their hands, as it requires minimal effort.

Another option is “in situ” composting, which involves burying kitchen scraps in small holes in the ground. This method works especially well if you have raised beds or hugelbeets (beds) at home. Dig small holes and add your kitchen waste before covering it with soil. This will help keep critters away while still allowing the scraps to break down and provide nutrients for plants.

Vermicomposting is another popular method for composting kitchen scraps. It involves using worms to break down organic matter in sealed containers. Start by adding raw kitchen waste into a tumbler for a couple of weeks before transferring it to worm bins or digging and dropping it directly into the soil. This helps deter critters from getting into the compost pile.

Finally, another simple method is dig-and-drop composting. This involves simply digging a hole in the ground and dropping your kitchen scraps inside before filling it back up with soil. This is especially useful if you don’t have much space for a compost bin or worm bins, or if you want to mulch between raised beds or hugelbeets (beds).

Overall, there are many ways to compost kitchen scraps depending on your needs and preferences. Traditional bin composting is an easy option that requires minimal effort, while vermicomposting and dig-and-drop composting offer more control over where your kitchen scraps go. Whichever method you choose, make sure to take precautions against critters so that your efforts aren’t wasted!