Organic matter

Organic matter is the stuff that comes from living things like plants and animals. When a plant or animal dies, its body starts to break down and turn into soil. This soil is called organic matter.

Now, imagine you have a banana peel on your kitchen table. If you leave it there for a few days, it will start to turn brown and look yucky. This is because the organic matter in the banana peel is breaking down.

But why is organic matter important? Well, it helps make our soil healthy! Soil needs organic matter to be able to grow plants. When plants grow, they take in nutrients from the soil. When animals eat those plants, they get those nutrients too. Then, when the animals die or poop, their bodies add more nutrients back into the soil.

So, remember to recycle your organic matter! You can compost (which is like making a special soil for your garden) or you can just leave your yard waste on the ground to let it naturally break down. Either way, you're helping make our soil healthier and better for plants and animals to live in!