Did you know there are many more ways to compost than the traditional layering method? They are easy to set up, cost near-zero Euro, and are just effective to reduce waste!
Hügelkultur – a very good method if you have taken down a tree or are working with large branches!
For: composting large branches / pieces of wood
System lifespan: 5-7 years
Ease of setup: takes a bit of work to set up!
Advantage: self-feeding / self-watering system, perfect for nutrient-dense plants
Hügelkultur is the ultimate self-feeding and watering system! It takes a bit of elbow grease to set up, but once complete, it can last for 5-7 years. Hügelkultur is a mound constructed with pieces of wood, branches, leaves, and topped with top soil. It has the larger pieces in the middle, with loose material on the outer layer. Once built, you can use it right away.
The rotting material will provide continuous nutrients to the plants, while the decaying wood will absorb moisture from the atmosphere and underground like a sponge. Because of its high nutrient-density, a Hügelkultur mound is perfect for nutrient-demanding crops such as pumpkins or tomatoes!
To build it, you’ll first need a large area. The larger the pile, the longer the mound will be self-sufficient. The minimum recommendation is at least 1 meter wide and any length. To build a pile, do:
- Dig a trench that covers the entire length of the mound
- Put the largest pieces of the wood / branches / twigs into the trench
- Layer in the leaves
- Add a layer of compost
- Top the layer mound with a layer of topsoil
- Add a layer of straw to prevent the soil being blown away
Some users of this method recommend it to be used the next season instead of immediately, so that the soil can settle and start the composting system, while others do the planting immediately. When should you start? It’s up to you!

Image source: https://www.newlifeonahomestead.com/hugelkultur/
Dig and Bury – feed where is needed!
For: kitchen scraps
System lifespan: 1 season
Ease of setup: super easy
Advantage: any scraps can be buried, including meat products. You can easily change the location of compost, so to feed different sections of the garden
The “dig and bury” method is just as easy as it sounds! Save your kitchen scraps in a bin (or the freezer in the summer), when you have a good amount, dig a hole (deeper is better) in the garden and bury the scraps. Ensure you have ~10 cm of soil coverage on top.
To avoid root-burning from the decomposing process, bury away from young seedlings, and leave some space between the plants and your composting hole. Be sure to add a thick layer of soil on top, so as to discourage critters from discovering the mighty feast. As a general rule, only bury plant-based scraps near edible-gardens, and meat products can be buried under trees, bushes and non-edible gardens.

Image source: https://www.theseedcollection.com.au/blog/Compost-Holes
Compost Tea – a drink of liquid gold for your plants
For: weeds
System lifespan: use the tea as soon as possible for maximum effect! It can be stored sealed and light proof for up to 6 days
Ease of setup: easy! You will need a large food-grade bucket, molasses, a small air pump, and a mesh bag (optional)
Advantage: small space requirement, you can control what nutrients to be added
Did you know many weeds are considered to be super foods? They may not always be edible, but they can be amazingly nutritious or pest / disease preventing for other plants.
Compost tea is made of those plants steeped in water. The nutrients of the plant naturally leaks and ferments in the liquid, and the water becomes infused with the compost’s nutrients and microorganisms, creating a concentration of liquid gold.
All you need is a food-grade bucket, pile in garden weeds, add non-chlorinated water (preferably rain water) to cover, and run the air pump for at least 12 hours. After the 12 hours, you have created a concentrated nutritious elixir for your plants. Strain and dilute it with 1:4 water and feed it to your plants.
Here are some common weeds perfect for brewing:
- Comfrey – for plants under stress
- Stinging nettle – improves plant’s immune system
- Clover – incredible nitrogen booster
Image source: https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/water-feed/compost-tea/
Ready to give it a try?
Now you’ve learned a few more tricks, try them in your garden and tag us at #zentralgartenbuero .