Nature Cat Inspired Composter

One of our favorite PBS Kids stars, Nature Cat, is a house cat with no real instincts for the great outdoors, yet that doesn't deter this passionate and curious feline from getting out and learning all he can about the world around him, even when he's slightly intimidated.

With the help of his animal friends, Nature Cat embarks on action-packed adventures in each new episode that are aimed at inspiring children to go outside and "play the show" themselves.

Get your little ones excited about nature with this fun hands-on activities of making your own composter. Grab some old leaves, maybe some worms, and a healthy splash of moisture. Your composter will create rich soil for perfect for a garden. Here's the how-to...

Supplies:

• A Sharp knife
• 1 empty 2-liter soda bottle
• 1 nail
• Shredded newspaper
• Dirt (use dirt from outside)
• Compost materials (grass clippings or vegetable scraps)
• Small handful of dead leaves
• Flat dish to hold composter
• Spray bottle with water

Let's Get Composting!

1. Cut the top off the bottle.
2. Use the nail to punch 8 to 10 small air and drainage holes along the sides and bottom of the bottle.
3. Put the bottle on the tray.
4. Add dirt, newspaper, and old leaves to your composter. (This is your composter starter)
5. Use spray bottle to wet the composter.
6. Add your own compost (try grass clippings, eggshells, coffee grounds)
7. Turn the bottle top upside down and nest in the open top of the bottle. It will act like a funnel for adding water each day to keep the contents damp.
8. Place in a spot where sunlight can reach it.
9. Stir every few days, keep the contents damp, and let it rot. As your compost breaks down, add more scraps to it.
10. Cover the top of your compost when not in use.

Take A Closer Look...

1. As you check your compost each day, describe what you see.
2. You may see fluffy green mold growing on it. Some people are allergic to this mold so keep it covered when you’re not working with it.
3. Now take your rich, healthy soil, place it in a pot, add a seed and some water and grow your own very plant!

Happy Composting!