How to Reuse Garden Scraps: DIY Mulch, Compost & More

Every time you prune a plant, pull weeds, or cook with veggies, you’re left with scraps — and if you’re tossing them in the trash, you’re throwing away a goldmine for your garden. Reusing garden and kitchen scraps not only saves money, but it also boosts your soil health and reduces waste. In this post, I’ll show you simple, no-fuss ways to give your scraps a second life.

Composting: Nature’s Way of Recycling

Composting is the most common way to reuse garden scraps, and it’s easier than most people think. You don’t need a big bin or a fancy setup — even a small container tucked in a corner can get the job done.

Add things like:

• Fruit and veggie peels

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Tea bags (without staples)

• Crushed eggshells

• Grass clippings

• Dry leaves

Avoid adding meat, dairy, or anything greasy. Mix your pile now and then, and in a few weeks to a few months (depending on weather and size), you’ll have dark, crumbly compost ready to feed your plants.

I use compost in my flower beds, herb garden, and even indoor plant containers. It’s like giving your soil a healthy meal.

DIY Mulch with What You Already Have

Mulch is another great way to reuse scraps. It keeps soil moist, blocks weeds, and slowly breaks down over time — adding nutrients back into the dirt. You can make mulch from:

• Dry leaves

• Pine needles

• Grass clippings (let them dry first)

• Shredded newspaper

• Small twigs or plant stems

Spread a thin layer around your plants, but keep it away from touching the stems to prevent rot. I especially like using mulch in my veggie beds — it keeps everything tidy and reduces how often I have to water.

Scraps That Feed: Coffee Grounds & Eggshells

Some of the best soil boosters are sitting in your kitchen trash can. Coffee grounds add nitrogen to the soil, which leafy plants like spinach and basil love. Just sprinkle used grounds into your garden beds or mix into your compost.

Crushed eggshells are a slow-release calcium source — great for tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Rinse them first, let them dry, then crush and mix into your soil. I even drop some straight into the planting hole when transplanting young plants.

Scrap Tea for Plants

This one sounds odd, but it works. You can make a simple “scrap tea” by boiling leftover veggie pieces like carrot tops, celery ends, or broccoli stems in water. Let it cool, strain it, and water your plants with it. It’s like a free plant tonic.

Use this about once every week or two during the growing season. It’s gentle and packed with nutrients, especially good for container plants that need a little extra care.

DIY Mulch with What You Already Have

Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil, keeps weeds down, and slowly adds nutrients as it breaks down. You don’t need to buy bags of it — you can make your own with what’s already in your yard.

Some great options for homemade mulch:

• Dry leaves

• Pine needles

• Shredded newspaper

• Small twigs or plant stems

A lot of people use grass clippings too, but I don’t. In my experience, grass clippings are often full of weed seeds, and I’m not looking to add more trouble to my garden. If you do use them, make sure they’re dry and come from a weed-free lawn.

Spread your mulch in a thin layer around plants but not touching the stems — that helps prevent rot while keeping everything looking neat.

Final Thoughts

Reusing your garden and kitchen scraps is one of the easiest ways to save money and grow stronger plants. You don’t need expensive products — just work with what you already have. Whether it’s compost, mulch, or natural plant food, your scraps can go right back into your garden and keep the cycle going.

Start small. Pick one method this week and try it out. Your plants (and your wallet) will thank you later.

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As Always, HAPPY GARDENING