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How To Make Your Own
Compost In A Bottle

Introduce kids to the wonders of composting with this easy compost in a bottle project! This hands-on activity allows tamariki to layer food scraps, soil, and newspaper, watching as they break down into rich compost over 6-8 weeks. A fun way to learn about sustainability and gardening!

What You'll Need

  • An empty 1.5 or 2 litre fizzy drink bottle with label removed 

  •  Sharp scissors/craft knife

  •  Garden soil

  •  Green waste – flowers, leaves, kitchen scraps

  •  Shredded newspaper

  •  Handful of blood and bone (or other garden fertiliser)

  •  Water spray

  •  Packing tape

  •  Small square of breathable cloth (a chux cloth works well)

  •  String/rubber band

Instructions

  1. Remove the top third of the bottle using sharp scissors or a craft knife

  2. Add a small amount of garden soil to the base of the bottle

  3. Build layers - Alternate layers of soil, green waste, shredded newspaper, small amount of blood and bone, finishing with a top layer of soil. Spray each layer with some water (especially the newspaper layer)

  4. Tape the top third of the bottle back onto the filled base

  5. Remove the screw lid of the bottle. Cover the top with the fabric and secure with string or a rubber band

  6. Place in a sunny spot and watch the contents break down over 6-8 weeks

  7. Shake about once a week to let air through the composting materials 

  8. Once the contents have broken down into loose crumbly compost add to the garden

Newspaper, food scraps and soil for compost
Compost in a bottle
Compost in a bottle
Child making compost in a bottle
Child making compost in a bottle
Child making compost in a bottle

Did you try this activity? 

I'd love to hear how it went for you!

Tag @growingkiwigardeners on Facebook or Instagram or send me an email!

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