Gardening doesn't have to mean hauling home huge bags of mulch or shelling out for fancy compost. There's a simpler way to feed your soil, and it's probably already growing in your backyard.
The scoop
In a recent Instagram Reel, regenerative grower Andreas (@solarpunkfarmer) breaks down the "chop and drop" method, a gardening technique of cutting down old or inedible plant matter and dropping it right back onto the soil to break down naturally.
Instead of sending crop residues to a compost bin (or a landfill), you let them decompose in place, feeding soil microbes and helping the next generation of crops thrive.
"Chop and drop is fertilizing, mulching, and composting all in one — and it's super easy," Andreas explains. "Why pay for your mulch or import it when your garden already grows it for free?"
Andreas credits the method for his garden's lush growth. "This 18-square-foot raised bed behind me has not received any store-bought fertilizers in over two years," he says. "The soil looks absolutely incredible, and I just pulled 10 pounds of produce off of it the other day.'
How it's helping
This technique cuts costs by eliminating the need to buy mulch, compost, or synthetic fertilizers. You'll also spend less time composting and weeding, since the layer of chopped plant materials doubles as such.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
Environmentally, chop and drop reduces waste by keeping organic matter out of landfills, improves soil health, and lowers reliance on chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. It's a great way to lower your carbon footprint while growing your own food.
Overall, the practice supports microbial life in the soil, which in turn yields stronger, more nutrient-dense plants (and better tasting ones, too). Plus, tending to a thriving, self-sustaining garden has been shown to boost mental health and digestive health.
What everyone's saying
Fans of the chop-and-drop method say it just makes sense. "Love this! I do the same. If it's good enough for nature then why not?" commented one viewer.
Another commenter agreed with that sentiment: "It's been happening in the wild for millennia. If it ain't broke, don't 'fix' it."
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
When do you plan to start gardening this year?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
I already have 🧑🌾 For others, the technique is already in their repertoire, and they added their own suggestions. "Been using this method for about 7yrs and I just give it good turnover mix with a shovel in between sessions," one viewer said.
Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is just leave your plants alone. Chop and drop keeps gardening simple, sustainable, and productive by letting nature do the work.
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
