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Worm-Composting Creates Great Humus
For nutrient rich humus, worm-composting We generate so much kitchen waste, why not put it to good use? It doesn't take much in the way of supplies to become
involved with vermiculture, which is the correct title
given to the world of worms and compost. You need
a few simple supplies to get started at it.
Bins can be made out of wood, but plastic storage containers are a good idea. They are readily available, and they come in a variety of sizes. Containers should be no deeper than 1 foot. Any
more than that, and a smell could develop. They
can be 2 feet in width, and as much as three feet
in length. Be sure to drill some holes in the
bottom to allow liquids to drain, and for the
air to be able to circulate underneath. It would
be wise to have the bin elevated up off of the
ground as well.
Before the worms are placed inside, water down the bedding thoroughly, and then remove the excess moisture. Fluff it up, and add the worms. Redworms are the best. They can be purchased at bait shops, and are suited to existing in bins. Most other types of worms need different environments to survive. We had relatives years ago who kept worm
bins and they were sold commercially.
This is not the same thing I know, but
I always remember as a kid seeing the
bins piled sky-high in a walk-in cooler
in the basement. Temperature was very
important, and for good reason depending
upon the kind of worms they were raising.
GOOD KITCHEN WASTE
Some people even throw in very minimal amounts
of fat and meat. Some think it should be avoided
altogether. Personally, I would keep those items
to a minimum.
This Video on Worm Composting As the worms digest the scraps, worm castings will form. They can be gathered by hand and scattered over potted plants and/or mixed with potting soil. You can work them into your flower or vegetable gardens, and you can never use too much. These castings are the "gold" you are looking for.
As the castings are removed, add more damp bedding.
Remember, the worms are digesting this bedding as
well, and it must be replaced. It serves as their
protection from the light. Worms are extremely
light-sensitive.
Tips to Producing Good Worm-Composting Results
Do Not Close the Lid on a Plastic Container Have a Lid on an Outdoor Wooden Container Catch the Liquid that Seeps Out and Fertilize with it Add Scraps Slowly If Odor is Detected, Cut Back on Scraps Use More Vegetables and Less Fruit Temperatures Cannot be Below Freezing Temperatures Should Not go Above 72F Keep Your Worms "In The Dark" Do Not Treat Your Worm-Compost as a Garbage Can for "Anything" Do Not Add Garden Soil Do Not Add Manure Do Not use Insecticides; Insecticides Will Kill the Worms
Worm Composters are not Litter Boxes - Ammonia Kills
Lastly, there are some pests that would not be good for your bins. You certainly do not want ants or fruit flies to name a few, near your composter. You can purchase traps to place around your worm-bins.
Your Nursery Garden staff, or anyone associated with Vermiculture are sure to be able to assist you. Keep in mind, there are different opinions as to the
best way to start worm-composting. I think this is
an overall good idea of how it generally works, and
generates great nutrition for your gardens.
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