Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting uses worms to compost. This takes up very little space and can be done year-round in a basement or garage. It is an excellent way to dispose of kitchen wastes.

Steps for vermicomposting:

The easy way:

  1. Buy the Worm Factory, store it in a place where temperatures average 54-70 degrees (preferably a basement).
  2. Buy the red wiggler worms.
  3. Add a layer of coir worm bedding.
  4. Add vegetable food scraps.
  5. As worms finish digesting scraps in one tray, they move to the next in search of food.
  6. When finished, simply empty out the finished castings for use in your garden and refill the tray.

The handyman way:

  1. Build your own bin by using the following instructions:
    • You need a plastic storage bin. One 1' x 2' x 3.5' will be enough to meet needs of a family of 6.
    • Drill 8 to 10 holes, approximately 1/4" in diameter, in the bottom of the bin for drainage. If contents get too wet, drill more holes.
    • Raise the bin on bricks or wooden blocks.
    • Line the bottom of the bin with fine nylon mesh to keep the worms from escaping.
    • Place a tray underneath to capture excess liquid which can be used as liquid plant fertilizer.
  2. Shredded newspaper works well as bedding. Rip into pieces and water well so that it is thoroughly moist. Place on one side of your home-made bin. Do not let it dry out.
  3. Add worms to your bin. red wiggler worms are recommended for best composting, but other species can be used. Red wrigglers are the common small worms found in most gardens and lawns. But for those needing them shipped, they can be found in our online garden shop.
  4. Provide worms with food wastes such as vegetable peelings. Do not add fat or meat products. Limit feed - too much at once may cause the material to rot.
  5. Keep the bin in a dark location away from extreme temperatures.
  6. In about 3 months the worms should have changed the bedding and food wastes into compost. At this time add fresh bedding and more food to the other side of the bin. The worms should migrate to the new food supply.
  7. After a couple of weeks, open your bin in a bright light. The worms will burrow into the bedding. Scoop out the finished compost and apply to your plants or save for use in the spring.

 

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