Subterranean Compost: The Benefits and How to Make Your Own

If you're interested in gardening or farming, you've probably heard about composting. Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter like food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings into a rich soil amendment that can be used to nourish plants. However, have you ever heard of subterranean composting? In this article, we'll explore what subterranean composting is, its benefits, and how you can make your own.

What is Subterranean Composting?

Subterranean composting, also known as trench composting, is a method of composting where organic matter is buried underground to decompose. Instead of creating a traditional compost pile or bin, you dig a trench in your garden and bury the organic matter directly in the soil. As the organic matter breaks down, it enriches the soil and feeds the plants growing above it.

The Benefits of Subterranean Composting

There are several benefits to subterranean composting:

1. It's easy and low maintenance: Unlike traditional composting methods, subterranean composting requires minimal effort. You don't need to turn the compost or worry about pests and odors.
2. It improves soil quality: Burying organic matter directly in the soil helps improve its texture, fertility, and water-holding capacity.
3. It reduces waste: By composting your food scraps and yard waste, you can divert them from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
4. It saves money: Instead of buying expensive fertilizers and soil amendments, you can use subterranean composting to create your own nutrient-rich soil amendment for free.

How to Make Your Own Subterranean Compost

Making your own subterranean compost is easy. Here's how:

1. Choose a location: Find a spot in your garden where you want to plant something and where you can dig a trench at least 8-12 inches deep.
2. Start digging: Dig a trench that's at least 8-12 inches deep and as long or as wide as you want it to be.
3. Add organic matter: Fill the trench with food scraps, leaves, grass clippings, or other organic matter. You can also add coffee grounds, eggshells, or other compostable materials.
4. Cover with soil: Cover the organic matter with soil and pack it down gently. Make sure the top layer of soil is level with the surrounding ground.
5. Plant something: Plant seeds or seedlings on top of the trench. You can also use this method to prepare a bed for planting vegetables or flowers.
6. Water regularly: Water your plants regularly to help the organic matter break down and nourish the plants.

That's all there is to it! Over time, the organic matter will decompose and enrich the soil. You can continue to add more organic matter to the same trench over time.

Digging a trench for subterranean composting

Things to Keep in Mind

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your own subterranean compost:

• Avoid adding meat, bones, or dairy: These can attract pests and take longer to decompose.
• Don't add too much at once: Adding too much organic matter at once can overwhelm the soil's ability to break it down, causing odors and attracting pests.
• Consider using a compost starter: A compost starter can help speed up the decomposition process and ensure that the organic matter breaks down properly.

Plants growing on top of a trench

Subterranean composting is a simple and effective way to improve your garden's soil quality, reduce waste, and save money. By burying organic matter directly in the soil, you can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that will feed your plants and help them thrive. So why not give it a try?

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