So today we set up the worm compost. Quite simple really..... In our household we are calling it the "Worm Farm".You need a container - I chose a two Rubbermaid containers, we drill holes in the bottom of one container for aeration and place it in the container with no holes, this allows the bottom container to collect any liquid that leaks out. All very neat and tidy. The we drilled holes in the lid so the worms can breath (picture shows my husband drilling holes). As you can see we choose a larger container as I believe we have a lot of food waste that our worms will love, but they can be much smaller than that.
Then you add the bedding - shredded damp newspaper ( I read somewhere on the Internet that you should not use colour print - but not all the instructions say that. We have stuck with black and white print only which meant leafing through the paper to exclude the colour.) The dampness of the newspaper is important as if it is too damp it will cause your "worm farm" to smell ( and we don't want that). The wetness of the paper should be that of a wrung out sponge. (again some sites say add a couple of handfuls of dirt to the bedding - it helps the worms eat the food). We de
cided on adding the dirt.Lastly you add the worms. Red wigglers are suggested. Allow them to settle into their new home for a couple of days and then let the 'feast' begin.
You can feed your worms the following: Fruit and vegetable peels, finely crushed egg shells (rinse out the eggshells first); coffee grinds and the filter, teabags, wood ash, sawdust, plant trimmings, dryer lint, grass. It is advisable to bury the food under the paper and in a different location within the bin each time. Also, make your waste into 'bite' size pieces for easier composting.
DO NOT feed your worms the following: Butter, bone, meat, fish, poultry, dairy or vegetable oil.
After a few months you will be rewarded with a dark rich earthy substance which makes a great natural fertilizer for your garden and plants. Also, the liquid that runs out the bottom can be used as a liquid fertilizer for you plants.I have included some websites for you to get more information on Vermiposting.
- http://www.city.vaughan.on.ca/vaughan/departments/public_works/vermicompost.cfm
- http://http//www.bearsmart.com/bearSmartCommunities/Attractants&WasteManagement/TheDirtOnIndoorComposting.pdf
- http://cityfarmer.org/wormcomp61.html#wormcompost
Happy Composting and I will keep you updated on how ours is progressing.
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