Make compost Get into recycling mode and introduce children to the natural cycle of growth and decay. Making compost will clarify the link between plant growth and healthy soil. It should encourage them to become recyclers - and help reduce waste in landfill sites!

In this article

How long will it take? What you will need

Step-by-step guide Tips and advice

Begin in spring to have compost by autumn. Compost can be made all year round.

• a compost bin with a lid
• old plant waste
• kitchen waste
• soil
• used animal or pet bedding

1 Help your children to set up the compost bin or site, ensuring the bin is placed on earth and not concrete.

2 Fill the bin with dead leaves, green waste from the garden, old plants you've pulled out, the contents of their pet hamster, gerbil or bird cage when they clean it out, fruit and vegetable peelings from the kitchen - even eggshells!

3 Next, sprinkle in some soil.

4 Cover the bin with an old piece of carpet or a doormat to keep the heat in and leave it alone until you have some more waste to put inside.

5 After three or four months remove the cover and help your child to dig the compost over. Leave it to rot down further.

6 When the bottom of the compost is brown and crumbly, it is ready. They can dig it into the garden - your plants will be really pleased!

• This is a joint project for adults and children together. You will need to provide the physical manpower for a lot of it, but the children will often provide the motivation to keep filling up the bin.
• When preparing a meal, why not ask your children to help you sort out which pieces they can put in their compost bin? Vegetable and fruit peelings are great. Don't put in cooked food though as it may attract rodents.