Most gardeners toss kitchen scraps and yard waste into their compost—and that’s great. But if you really want to level up your soil game, try growing plants just to feed your compost pile. Think of it like brewing a fine wine: instead of tossing in whatever’s lying around, you’re cultivating the perfect ingredients for black gold.
This isn’t beginner stuff. If you’re still figuring out how to keep your pile from smelling like a swamp, master the basics first. But for those ready to experiment, growing dedicated compost crops can transform your garden’s fertility.
Why Bother?
Regular compost is good. Tailored compost is next-level. By growing specific plants for your pile, you control the nutrient balance, speed up decomposition, and even mine minerals from deep in the soil. It’s like customizing a superfood smoothie for your garden beds.
Top Plants to Grow for Killer Compost
1. Clover & Alfalfa (The Nitrogen Fixers)
These legumes are soil magicians—they pull nitrogen from the air and stash it in their roots. Chop them down before they flower (when nitrogen peaks) and toss them in your pile. They’ll turbocharge decomposition and give your compost a protein boost.
Pro Tip: Sow them as a cover crop in empty garden beds. When it’s time to compost, just till them under or pull them up.
2. Comfrey (The Nutrient Dynamo)
Comfrey’s roots drill 10 feet deep, mining potassium, phosphorus, and trace minerals most plants can’t reach. Its leaves decompose almost too fast—pile them on, and they’ll vanish in days.
How to Use It:
- Chop leaves fresh into the pile (wear gloves—the hairs itch).
- Dry some for a carbon-rich fall addition.
- Brew a compost tea by steeping leaves in water.
3. Borage (The Moisture Master)
This fast-growing herb is 80% water, so it keeps your pile hydrated. It’s also packed with zinc and calcium—great for tomatoes and peppers later. Plus, bees love it, so you’ll boost pollinators while feeding your compost.
Bonus: Toss in the whole plant (stems and all) after it bolts.
4. Yarrow (The Decomposition Cheat Code)
Yarrow’s secret weapon? It’s loaded with silica and enzymes that kickstart microbial activity. Throw a few leaves in, and your pile heats up faster.
Grow It: Plant near your compost bin for easy harvesting.
5. Daikon Radish (The Soil Buster)
These aren’t just for pickling. Daikon’s massive roots break up compacted soil, and their lush greens add bulk to your pile. After a frost, the roots soften—perfect for composting.
How to Start Your Compost Garden
You don’t need a dedicated plot. Sneak these plants into your existing garden:
- Edge your beds with comfrey or yarrow.
- Interplant clover between rows—it suppresses weeds and feeds your pile.
- Grow borage in pots near the compost for quick harvests.
Harvesting Rules:
- Cut greens when they’re lush (before flowering for legumes).
- Mix with “browns” like straw or shredded mail to balance moisture.
- Avoid seeding plants (unless you want volunteers).
The Payoff
Compost crops turn waste into precision soil-building. Your pile will break down faster, smell sweeter, and pack more nutrients. Plus, you’ll spend less time hauling in straw or manure—your garden feeds itself.
Last Thought: Start small. Try comfrey and clover this year. Next season, add yarrow. Soon, you’ll have a closed-loop system where every plant pulls double duty—feeding your soil today and your compost tomorrow.
Now, go grow some compost!