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As a preschool gardening teacher in the lush, green Pacific Northwest, I love nothing more than watching little hands dig into the soil, explore wriggly worms, and discover the magic of composting. Teaching kids how to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil is like handing them a superpower—the ability to transform waste into something wonderful! Composting is a fantastic way to connect children with nature, reduce waste, and help our gardens thrive. Plus, it’s a messy, hands-on activity, and let’s be honest—kids LOVE that!
This is a basic overview of what composting is, when you are ready to dive in I suggest checking out the resources at the bottom of the page for further reading on the exact method you and your family are excited to try out.
The Basics of Composting: What Goes In?
Before setting up your compost bin, it’s important to understand what goes into making compost. The right balance of materials ensures your compost breaks down properly and doesn’t turn into a stinky mess.
Composting materials are generally divided into two categories:
- Greens (Nitrogen-Rich Materials) – These are moist, nitrogen-rich materials that provide food for decomposers. Examples include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and eggshells.
- Browns (Carbon-Rich Materials) – These help add structure and aeration to the compost pile. Examples include dry leaves, shredded newspaper, cardboard, and small sticks.
A good compost pile should have a balance of about 2 to 3 parts browns to 1 part greens. Too many greens can make the pile too wet and smelly, while too many browns can slow down decomposition.
How Much Water?
Water is another key ingredient in composting. The pile should be damp like a wrung-out sponge—not too wet and not too dry. If it’s too dry, decomposition slows down. If it’s too wet, it can become slimy and start to smell. Turning the pile occasionally helps aerate it and speed up the composting process.
Setting Up Your Compost Bin
Before we start tossing in our brown and green material, we need to set up a compost system that fits your space and needs. Here are three beginner-friendly options, so whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a tiny balcony, you can get started!
- Backyard Compost Bin (For Big Spaces)
Perfect for families with a backyard, this system can be as simple as a DIY wooden bin or a store-bought compost tumbler. Pick a shady spot, toss in kitchen scraps and yard waste, and give it a good turn now and then. Before you know it, you’ll have dark, crumbly compost ready for your garden beds.
- Worm Tower (For Small Spaces)
Got a tiny yard or just a corner of the garden? A worm tower is your best friend! This is a vertical composting system where food scraps get fed to composting champions—worms! Kids LOVE checking on their wiggly compost buddies, and best of all, worm castings (a fancy word for worm poop) create some of the best fertilizer out there. You can buy composting worms (red wigglers) online or at local garden centers—check out Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm or your nearest nursery!
- Countertop Compost Bin (For Apartments & Tiny Spaces)
Even if you don’t have outdoor space, you can still compost! A countertop compost bin (often with a carbon filter to keep odors away) lets you collect food scraps, which you can later drop off at a community compost site or use in a Bokashi composting system. Many cities in the Pacific Northwest have composting programs, so check your local options!
Why Composting with Kids is So Beneficial
Composting isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s a hands-on science lesson, a sustainability practice, and a fun way to engage kids in the natural world. Here’s why composting is a game-changer for little learners:
- Teaches Responsibility – Kids learn to care for their compost bin, feed the worms, and keep the balance between greens (food scraps) and browns (leaves, paper, etc.).
- Encourages Scientific Exploration – Decomposition is a fascinating process! Watching food scraps break down over time introduces kids to biology, chemistry, and the cycle of life.
- Reduces Waste & Builds Eco-Awareness – Composting helps children see how food scraps can be repurposed instead of tossed into a landfill.
- Supports Gardening – Healthy compost makes for healthy plants, which means kids get to see the full farm-to-table (or in this case, table-to-garden) cycle in action.
Composting Resources:
- https://helpmecompost.com/home-composting/methods/3-bin-compost-system/
- https://www.ruralsprout.com/diy-worm-tower/?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-pug
- https://www.thespruce.com/inexpensive-worm-bin-from-plastic-buckets-2540077
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvTe3GFXLsU
Let’s Get Composting!
Whether you’re diving into a backyard bin, building a worm tower, or keeping it simple with a countertop bin, composting is a fantastic way to engage kids with nature. Plus, nothing beats the excitement of watching their faces light up when they see their food scraps transform into rich, garden-boosting compost. So grab some banana peels, save those coffee grounds, and let’s start composting with kids!
Got a composting story or question? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how your little gardeners are turning trash into treasure!
