Growing Plants out of a Compost Bin

Growing vegetables or other plants in a compost bin with nutritionally-rich organic compost is a great way to grow healthy plants. In particular, growing potatoes or flowers in compost can be a simple task. The compost continuously feeds each plant, giving stronger roots and plant systems.

Produce grown in compost bins pack more nutrients because the soil itself has more. This makes for healthier vegetation. And, as long as organic materials are used, the produce will have the highest levels of nutrients possible.

Step 1: The Compost Bin

The bins are best when homemade because they can be made to the size needed for planting. When carried out properly, these bins can be used as stand-alone gardens. Create these compost bins on open, tilled ground. The sides can be built a foot or two up like a garden bed.

Begin composting and let nature do its job. Turn the compost once or twice a week. Once the compost is ready for use, select varieties of plant that are recommended for propagation at the particular time of year.

Step 2: Choosing the Plants to Grow

It is time to decide what to grow in your compost bins. Any form of plant can be considered and often, flowers will be planted. For those with a preference of growing their own produce, potatoes or tomatoes can be chosen. Decide what to plant and be sure to read the packets in order to know how to properly grow what is chosen.

Step 3: Planting

With the aid of a hand trowel, plant your chosen seeds or seedlings as usual but do so directly in the compost bin. Space the seed or seedlings according to directions and as deep as necessary for effective growth. Stake tomatoes or other plants as necessary. Water the soil in the bins.

Step 4: Feeding the Plants

When planting in compost bins, it is not necessary to fertilize. The compost provides all of the food needed for the plants to thrive.

NOTE: If planting flowers or herbs that will come back year after year, fertilization in subsequent years may be necessary to keep the nutrient levels high in the soil.

Step 5: Composting Again

It is possible to continue composting while growing plants. Simply add table scraps, dried leaves and other organic materials to the ready-made compost, burying the material under the soil without disturbing root systems.

Step 6: Harvesting

When the plants are harvestable, do so as needed. The foods will be packed with plenty of nutrients and they can be eaten fresh.

Step 7: Working in Garden Scraps

When annuals are harvested, put small pieces of yard scraps into the bins and work them into the compost. Next spring, the bin will be ready for planting again.

Planting in organic compost will give you the healthiest produce possible. This produce will be packed full of nutrients that are necessary for any diet. Additionally, flowers grown this way will be the best looking plants on the block.