Earth Cycle Jar – Living Forest Floor Ecosystem Kit
 
The Earth Cycle Jar is a hands-on terrestrial ecosystem that brings the forest floor to life inside a clear, 1-gallon jar. Designed to demonstrate how nature recycles dead plant material into rich, living soil, this kit showcases the complete decomposer cycle—exactly how leaves become soil, and how soil supports life again.
Perfect for hobbyists, classrooms, homeschoolers, nature lovers, and curious kids, the Earth Cycle Jar is a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly way to explore the hidden world of worms, isopods, springtails, and microscopic soil organisms working together as nature’s cleanup crew.
 
What the Earth Cycle Jar Teaches
How decomposers break down leaf litter
How soil is created naturally over time
How nutrient cycles support forests and plant growth
How organisms interact inside miniature ecosystems
How the Earth continuously turns dead things into life
This is the closest you can get to watching the forest floor work—right on your shelf.
 
What's Included
Everything needed to build a thriving mini-ecosystem:
1-Gallon Glass Jar with Stainless Steel Mesh Vented Lid
Provides airflow while keeping the ecosystem secure.
Bottom Gravel Layer
Helps manage drainage
Starter Soil Layer
Packed with beneficial microorganisms, tiny decomposers, and natural nutrients.
Variety of Leaf Litter Species
A diverse mix of dried oak, maple, cottonwood, sweetgum, and more—mirroring a real forest floor.
Natural Add-ins
Sweetgum seed pods and acorn caps for structure, enrichment, and visual interest.
Starter Organisms
A living community including:
• Worms
• Isopods
• Springtails
• Microscopic soil life
These work together to break down leaves and build rich soil.
Tools for Exploration
• Magnifying glass for close-up observations
• Long tweezers for adjusting or inspecting the environment
Full Instruction Set
Step-by-step guide from setup to long-term care.
 
How It Works
Assemble the jar using the included materials and instructions
Add the starter organisms to create a functioning decomposer community.
Over time, watch leaves slowly break down as decomposers turn them into dark, nutrient-rich soil.
Add fresh leaf litter as needed to keep the cycle going.
The entire cycle repeats naturally—just like on the forest floor.
 
Why You’ll Love It
Extremely low maintenance – Just add new leaves every few months to see the cycle continue
Beginner friendly – Easy for kids, classrooms, and first-time nature hobbyists
Educational – A perfect hands-on demonstration of ecology, nutrient cycles, and decomposition
Sustainable – Produces real, living soil you can use in terrariums or as the “dirt layer” for dirted fish tanks
Endless observation – Watch isopods graze, worms tunnel, springtails bounce, and the ecosystem transform over time
This is more than a kit—it’s a living lesson in how Earth renews itself.