Original URL: http://fun.familyeducation.com/activity/recycling/39431.html

Composting Basics

Materials

• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Food scraps
• Potato peelings
• Banana skins
• Tea bags
• Worms

Directions

More than half the trash your family throws away could be composted to turn it back into rich, fertile soil. There are several easy ways to compost.

1. The simplest way is to make a pile of leaves and grass clippings in a corner of your yard.
2. After a while, the bottom layers can be used as a rich mulch on your garden.
3. Another way is to build a special bin made from wood posts and chicken wire.
4. Place all your organic waste inside the bin, alternating with layers of soil.
5. Keep it moist and turn it over every few weeks.
6. Adding worms to your compost bin will help make an even richer and more fertile soil additive.

Note: Find a more complete discussion of composting here.