9 Kitchen Scraps You Should Add to Your Garden for Happier Plants, Gardeners Say

These options are a breeze to add to your garden because you can toss them into the soil for extra nutrients or bury them deep to serve as earthworm attractors.

“Unlike tougher organic materials, these kitchen scraps break down quickly and release nutrients right into the soil without needing to be fully composted,” says Gardiner. “Since they are already soft and rich in beneficial compounds, plants can access their nutrients almost immediately.”

It’s a treat to have these scraps at the ready, but Click offers a good reminder before you jump in.

“While these scraps offer benefits, they should complement, not replace, composting and soil amendments,” she explains. “A balanced approach that integrates composting, mulching, and proper fertilization will ensure long-term soil health and sustainable gardening practices.”