Kids and composting

Our garden last year was a bit of a bust. We moved into our new house in July, and by the time we got our plot ready and put our plants in, it was too hot for anything to really take hold. Our squash and greens fizzled, and aside from a few root vegetables, we really didn't get much of a crop.

This year, we're getting a jump start and are already busy getting our garden ready for spring planting. We've freshened up our garden plot, loosened the soil, added more, and gotten rid of all of those pesky weeds that took root over the winter. We also have added a layer of compost to our soil to get it nice and rich for our plants. Courtesy of my dad, who gifted us with our very own composter to get us started. (This is the one we got.)

So far, we're taking to composting really well. Something about it is deeply satisfying to the minor obsessive in me. And Anne is happy to help in any way she can. I don't think much of the concept really sank in, but she does bring me her banana peels every morning, and we put them in the old coffee can we keep on the counter. When the can is full at the end of the day, we take it out and dump it in the composter and talk about what's going on in our nice stinky mix of leaves and dirt and veggie detritus, and how when it's ready, we'll put the compost on our garden, our flowerbeds, and in with our houseplants to make them grow big and strong.

I think composting is a great thing to do with kids -- not only does it set a good example of recycling and reusing and being kind to our planet, but it's just fascinating, the idea that something familiar can change into something else. Since we started, I've been scouring the internet for composting activities and links. Here's what I've come up with so far:

• This infographic gives a really good overview of general composting rules with words and pictures to explain what's compostable and what isn't.   

• The budding scientist can make a miniature compost bin out of a soda bottle -- the clear sides make it easy to watch decomposition in action. 

• Even if you don't have a lot of extra room, here are a few ways to compost  in small spaces. 

• I love these ideas for decorating a compost jar for the kitchen -- it seems like creative way of getting kids involved in the act. 

We also came across several picture books about composting while at the library the other day. You can find a list of our faves here.

Do you compost at your house? What do your kids think of it?