The Do's and Don'ts of Bury Things in Your Garden: A Guide to Healthy Soil
As gardeners, we all know the importance of healthy soil for our plants. Did you know that there are also things you should never bury in your garden? In this blog post, I'll be discussing these items and explaining why they are harmful to your soil and earthworms.
Citrus Peels - Orange, lemon, and other citrus peels are acidic in nature and can negatively affect the pH levels of your soil. They also repel earthworms, which are crucial for healthy soil.
Onion and Garlic Peels - Similar to citrus peels, onion and garlic peels also repel earthworms.
Peanut, Walnut, and Almond Shells - While these shells can be used as mulch on top of your garden, they take a long time to decompose and should not be buried directly in the soil.
Wood Chips: Wood chips are another great source of mulch, but they should never be mixed into the soil. The chips lock up the nitrogen in the soil, making it difficult for plants to grow. If you do decide to use wood chips, wait at least six months to a year before planting, and only bury them if you want to lower the pH level of your soil.
Wood Ash: Wood ash raises the pH level of your soil, making it more alkaline. This can be beneficial if you're growing plants that love alkaline soil, like sweet potatoes. But, if you don't want to change the pH of your soil, it's best to avoid burying wood ash in it.
Cardboard: Regular cardboard is okay to use in the garden, but if it contains plastic or glue, it should not be buried in the soil. Cardboard with labels or plastic seams contain more glue that might not be made from vegetable starches, and might contain chemicals or staples.
Dairy and Meat: Dairy and meat, including milk and eggs, attract rodents, maggots, and anaerobic bacteria. If buried in the garden, they will quickly decompose and attract pests. It's best to avoid burying these items in your garden and finding alternative composting methods.
It's important to remember that the key to healthy soil is earthworms. They serve as decomposers and add nutrients and microbial activity to the soil. When you bury kitchen scraps and other compostable items, always cover them with a fencing material and weigh them down with bricks to prevent vermin and rodents from accessing them.
If you want to plant in the same spot where you've buried items, wait at least three months for them to decompose before planting. However, if you plant about a foot away from existing plants, you can plant directly into your garden.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when it comes to burying things in your garden, it's essential to consider the impact it will have on your soil and earthworms. Burying the right things in your garden can help it thrive, but burying the wrong things can harm the soil and the plants growing in it. When in doubt, stick to composting items like banana peels, leaves, and grass clippings, and avoid burying peanut shells, wood chips, wood ash, cardboard with plastic, and dairy and meat products. Happy gardening!