How to Compost Your Garden Remnants This Fall
Oct
Giving Your Garden a Graceful Goodbye
As the weather cools and your summer plants start to fade, your garden is whispering: “Thanks for the season.” But before you tuck it in for winter, there’s one last gift you can give back — composting those end-of-season remnants.
Start by Tidying, Not Tearing
It’s tempting to yank everything out by the roots and call it a day, but your soil loves the leftovers. Clip old plants at the base instead. Their roots will break down naturally over winter, feeding the microbes that make your soil so alive come spring.
Choose What to Keep Out of the Pile
Most of your garden cleanup can go straight into compost, but a few things should skip the bin.
✅ Compost these: soft stems, leaves, flower heads, and veggie scraps
🚫 Skip these: diseased plants, seed-heavy weeds, or anything woody that won’t break down easily
Chop, Layer, and Let Nature Work
The smaller the pieces, the faster they decompose. Aim for a mix of browns (dried leaves, straw, cardboard) and greens (fresh trimmings, kitchen scraps) in a 3-to-1 ratio. Keep the pile damp — not soggy — and give it a little turn every week or two.
Try “Composting in Place”
If you’d rather keep things simple, spread your chopped-up plant material right over your raised beds. Cover with a thin layer of compost or soil and let it sit all winter. By spring, it will have broken down into nutrient-rich soil that’s ready for planting.
The OSE Way
At One Sweet Earth, we believe sustainability should be simple. Our HDPE raised beds make it easy to compost right where you grow — no rotting wood, no rust, and no fuss. They’re designed to last season after season, so your garden (and your compost) can keep giving back to the planet.
Wrap-Up
Think of composting as your garden’s way of saying thank you. Every leaf and stem you return to the soil is an investment in next year’s growth — and a small act of kindness to the Earth.
🌿 Quick Takeaway
Fall cleanup doesn’t have to mean waste. Compost your garden remnants, feed your soil, and start next spring one step ahead.