Composting with Kids

Compost may not sound all that glamourous, but setting up a composting system can be a lot of fun, especially if your child likes to get in and get mucky. It’s a great activity that allows them to connect with nature, help them to understand what plants need to thrive, and it’s also a great way for them to do their part for the environment too.  It's an incredible way to turn everyday kitchen scraps into a powerhouse of garden goodness. Not only will you minimise waste, but you'll also create an awesome source of nutrients for your precious plants. Talk about a win-win situation!

Start by getting a bucket or container for kitchen scraps (or get them to go into full creative mode and let them make and decorate one!). Next, get them to make it their daily mission to empty it into the outside compost heap or bin (these can be purchased from your local garden centre, or you can make one yourself). Once you've got the compost up and running, let your child take ownership of keeping it well-fed. Then sit back and let nature do its thing as the decomposition process unfolds over time. And, once the compost is good to go, gather the kids for a fun-filled garden adventure, spreading that nutrient-rich goodness all around and watching your plants enjoy the composty goodness.

So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the muck, and let the composting fun begin!

WHY COMPOST?

Composting has a heap of fantastic benefits. Check out this awesome list:

• By composting, you're diverting food and yard waste away from the landfills. Which is great for the planet.  Did you know that food scraps and yard waste make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away? Even more reason to compost!

• Say goodbye to excessive greenhouse gases! Composting helps reduce their release into the atmosphere.

• Your plants will thank you for the love! Compost enhances soil health, boosts vegetation growth, and locks in essential moisture.

• Composting saves you some money by cutting down on the need for expensive fertilisers or manure.

• Want to nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods? Composting contributes to the increased nutrient content of the delicious produce you grow, which makes us healthier. Sounds great!

So, let's get composting for our plants and the planet!

WHAT TO ADD TO YOUR COMPOST

To ensure composting success, it's important to know which items can be thrown into the mix and which ones should be avoided.

Here is a list of compost-friendly items:

·        Fruit and vegetable scraps

·        Coffee grounds and filters

·        Eggshells

·        Plant trimmings

·        Paper and cardboard

However, not everything will compost so easily. Here are a few items to keep out of the mix:

·        Meat and dairy products

·        Oily or greasy materials

·        Diseased plants or weeds with mature seeds

Prepare to be amazed at how they embrace the task when they've been involved in the whole process right from start to finish!  Plus, it makes for a super fun family project where everyone can roll up their sleeves and get involved. So, gather the crew, embark on this composting adventure, and let the seeds of environmental appreciation grow in the hearts and minds of your little nature enthusiasts!