As the garden harvest is winding down and the plants are beginning to wither, autumn is the perfect time to learn about composting. Thanks to our OT Chana, we have a compost bin that is ready to become an active part of our garden and a great hands on lesson in life cycles. During their weekly trek to the garden, the students in Room 106 learned about the good "greens" and "browns" needed for compost, as well as some "no-no's" in the world of composting. Dried leaves, newspaper and egg shells are carbon rich "browns," while green plants, grass clippings, fruits and vegetables are nitrogen rich "greens" - these are fantastic organic materials to toss into the compost bin. On the other hand, students learned what NOT to toss into the bin: meat, cheese, milk, onions, magazines and plastic. Now that we know what to layer in our "compost lasgna," we'll be ready to begin filling the bin. In a little over 8-10 weeks, we should have rich, healthy compost to use for indoor winter gardening.
Mo: I didn't even see the compost bin out in the garden! That was something I was planning to ask you about. The garden is so full of possibilites, that I discover something new every time I go out there.
ReplyDeleteTonia
I took the bin out to the garden for the lesson....I need to make a chicken wire base (to discourage four legged critters) and lock it to the fence (to discourage vandals). It's a great way to learn...and will result in some great compost in no time at all!
ReplyDeletehi mo sure have some great pictures it takes me a long time to get around to reply sorry. gramps.
ReplyDeletegrandpa - so glad to see you here! Thanks for checking in on the blog!
ReplyDeletemo