Earth Day 2022

Together we'll build a compost bin

Learn about soil, plants, and how to start your own garden. Discover why soil is important for plants to grow

What's Beaneath Your Feet?

Soil makes up all the Earth and supports all plant life. Soil gives plants all the water and nutrients it needs to survive, which is why good soil is very important.

Learn More

Herbs to Grow At Home

Basil
Thyme
Mint
Oregano
Chives
Rosemary

Build a Compost Bin

Tools
1 empty 2 liter soda bottle
1 pair of scissors
1 small nail
1 flat dish
1 kitchen towel
1 small pot

Compost
Small handful of dead leaves
Grass clippings or vegetable scraps
Shredded newspaper
Dirt from outside (not potting soil)
1 packet of seeds of your choice
1 spray bottle filled with water

01/10

Clean the Bottle

Use soap and warm water to rinse the bottle and peel off the label. Then dry out the bottle with a paper towel.
02/10

Cut the Top

With the help of an adult cut off the top of the bottle, about 1-2” inches below the neck of the bottle. Set the top aside
03/10

Adult Only Add Air Holes

Use the nail to punch 8 to 10 small air and drainage holes along the sides and bottom of the bottle
04/10

Add the Starter

Put the bottle on the flat dish. Fill the bottle with the dirt and shredded newspaper. This will be the compost starter.
05/10

Wet the Starter

Fill the spray bottle with water and use to wet the compost starter
06/10

Add the Compost

Now add the grass clippings and vegetable scraps. These will be your compost!
07/10

Make a Funnel

Turn the top of the bottle upside down to rest in the opening. This will act as a funnel to add a little bit of water each day keeping the compost damp.
08/10

Give it Sunshine

Place your compost bin in a sunny spot then cover the top of your bin with a kitchen towel when not in use.
08/10

Give it Sunshine

Place your compost bin in a sunny spot then cover the top of your bin with a kitchen towel when not in use.
09/10

Watch it Work

Check the compost bin each day and see how it changes! As your compost breaks down, you can add more vegetable scraps or fruit peels.
10/10

Start Planting Seeds

After a few weeks take some of your rich, healthy soil and place it in a small pot. Add some seeds and some water. Now watch it grow into a healthy plant. Subscribe to get plant care tips.