Spring is the perfect time to think about enriching your gardensoil, and you may be wishing you had composted your produce and food scraps in a bin all winter. But it’s not too late—there are many methods to composting, and one in particular is going viral on social media.
The surprisingly simple method is called trench composting, and a video showing how to do it from Erin Berkyto of @theknottygarden is capturing gardeners’ attention on social media. Unlike traditional composting systems, trench composting doesn’t require bins, tumblers or elaborate setups—just a little bit of digging and some organic matter.
SIGN UP for the Dengarden / Parade Home & Garden newsletter for a weekly dose of our favorite house hacks, decor trends and shopping deals
It’s a perfect solution for small gardens or anyone who wants a low-maintenance, no-cost way to boost soil health.
Replenish Your Soil Fast With This Trench Composting Hack
The process is straightforward. You dig a trench about 12 to 18 inches deep, fill it with kitchen scraps and garden clippings, and then cover it back up with the surrounding soil. Over time, soil organisms break down the buried materials, converting them into rich nutrients that feed the plants growing above. It’s essentially composting in place, which helps replenish your soil while keeping your garden neat and tidy.
One of the great benefits of trench composting is how it fits naturally into crop rotation. When removing damaged, bolted or dying plants, instead of tossing them in a compost bin or the trash, you can bury them directly in a trench. This method reduces waste, saves time and ensures that your soil stays fertile. By recycling plant matter this way, you’re returning nutrients right to the spot where future crops will thrive.
Related: Backyard Gardeners Are Loving This DIY Dollar Tree Strawberry Planter
Trench Composting Will Enrich the Soil With Beneficial Nutrients
Trench composting is also incredibly flexible. You can dig multiple trenches throughout your garden or focus on small areas that need a nutrient boost. It works well for vegetables, herbs and flowers, and because it’s buried, it doesn’t attract pests or create odors like some surface compost piles can. It’s a quiet, efficient way to maintain a healthy garden without needing extra equipment.
While some gardeners swear by more elaborate systems—like the viral keyhole composter that’s captured social media attention—trench composting is a simpler, minimalist alternative. It proves that you don’t need a fancy setup to create nutrient-rich soil. “[This] has improved my soil and [is] useful as a mulch over [the] summer,” said one gardener in the Instagram video’s comment section.
With a few simple trenches, you can recycle plant matter, improve soil structure and nurture your garden naturally. For small-space gardeners or anyone seeking a low-effort method to feed their plants, this viral technique is worth trying this season.
Related: These $1 Glazed Planters From Dollar General Are the Cutest Garden Find Right Now
This story was originally published by Dengarden on Mar 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Dengarden as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Comments are closed.