DIY: Mini Compost Jar

Did you know even composting on a small scale can benefit your home garden and lighten the load on landfills? If you don’t have the space for a compost bin or pile, or simply need to scale things down a bit, this mini compost jar is the perfect replacement!

What You’ll Need

  • Jar
  • Hammer and nail
  • Dirt and leaves
  • Food scraps
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Use your hammer and nail to punch holes in the lid.
  2. Add dirt or leaves and a little bit of water to your jar.
  3. Add your food scraps and wait!

The time it takes to compost will vary depending on the items included. You’ll know your compost is ready when it looks, feels and smells like rich, dark earth rather than rotting vegetables. In other words, it should be dark brown, crumbly and smell like earth.

This can take anywhere from 3 months to a year. Just keep checking on it. It is okay to give it a little shake once in a while.

For more information on composting and what materials can be composted, take a look at this list from the EPA.

If you have the space and would prefer to make a larger compost bin, follow these steps.

Enjoy your composting!


Don’t forget to share photos of your mini compost jar with us on social media using #forcvnp or by tagging us!

You can also email your creations to us at connect@forcvnp.org for a chance to have them featured on our website and social media channels!

Click here for more spring time activities you can do at home.

The Conservancy is a nonprofit friends group for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Our goals are to improve visitor experiences, and provide meaningful, life-enhancing programs to our communities. If you would like to join us in protecting the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, please consider supporting your park today.

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