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Compost Bin Layers

A compost bin is filled with layers of wet kitchen scraps and dry leaves or cardboard. Air, water and turning help the bits break down into dark soil.

In the picture

  1. Wet kitchen scraps: fruit peels, an apple core and grass clippings
  2. Dry material: a torn cardboard piece and dry leaves
  3. Crumbly dark compost with small air gaps
  4. A pitchfork lifting and turning the pile

Examples

  • Banana peels and apple cores from the kitchen going into the bin.
  • Raking dry autumn leaves and tearing up a cardboard box to add on top.

Quiz: Compost Bin Layers (Age 9)

  1. Which layers should be mixed in a compost bin so the bits break down faster?

    • Only dry leaves or cardboard
    • A mix of wet kitchen scraps and dry leaves or cardboard
    • Only wet kitchen scraps
  2. Why is turning the compost pile helpful?

    • It adds extra water to the pile
    • It packs the pile down tightly
    • It lets air get into the pile
  3. How damp should a healthy compost pile be?

    • Soaking wet like a puddle
    • Bone dry like sand
    • Damp like a squeezed sponge

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.

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Daily Life, Age 9