Vermicomposting - Composting with worms

Abstract

NOTE: The following information is for the home vermicomposting enthusiast. This resource is not intended to be a reference for commercial bins or bins located in businesses, schools and/or government agencies. Many gardeners compost both yard waste and kitchen waste with compost piles, sheet composting or some other method during the growing season. Fortunately, very little yard waste is generated during winter months when cold temperatures make composting difficult. However, usable kitchen waste is constantly being generated and must be disposed of. Vermicomposting is the process of using worms and microorganisms to turn kitchen waste into a black, earthy-smelling, nutrient-rich humus. You need five basic ingredients to start vermicomposting: 1. a container 2. bedding 3. water 4. worms 5. non-fatty kitchen scraps. Containers In the book, Worms Eat My Garbage,* writer Mary Appelhof suggests weighing your household food waste for one week (in pounds), and then provide one square foot of surface area per pound. The container depth should be between eight and twelve inches. Bins need to be shallow because the worms feed in the top layers of the bedding. A deep bin is not as efficient as a shallow bin and could potentially become an odor problem. Worm boxes can be purchased or made. Plastic storage containers are convenient and come in a variety of sizes. These containers are easily transported and are a nice alternative to heavier wood bins. Many people choose to have several small bins as opposed to one heavier, large wood bin. Small bins work best in homes, apartments and school classrooms. They are easy to tuck under desks, place below kitchen sinks and keep out of the way in laundry rooms. TIP: If you make a worm bin out of a plastic storage container, never snap the lid shut tight. The lid should lay loosely on the bin. An airtight bin will kill the worms. Mary Appelhof's 1-2-3 Portable Worm Bin (1' deep, 2' wide and 3' long) (figure 1) is heavier than a plastic bin, but is desirable in situations where a bin is going to be outdoors part of the year or in a heated garage. Wood bins allow for better air movement and a bin this size (figure 1) can easily take care of food scraps from a family of four. This bin has a bottom so it can be moved and used in a heated garage or basement during …