Composting with earthworms refresher
Vermicomposting is a great way to make your own fertilizer for your garden and plants. It's also good for the environment because organic material is returned to the soil rather than buried in a landfill.
It's not rocket science, but there are a few important rules to follow if you're going to , number 1, not kill your worms and, number 2, make some great compost.
It's not rocket science, but there are a few important rules to follow if you're going to , number 1, not kill your worms and, number 2, make some great compost.
Vermicomposting Bins
A variety of containers make satisfactory worm bins (make sure they are not soft plastic. They will leak out chemicals that retard worm growth and reproduction.)
Containers range from commercially available vermicomposting units to plastic totes you adapt yourself, or home-made wooden bins. Regardless of your choice, the container you use MUST provide aeration.
Containers range from commercially available vermicomposting units to plastic totes you adapt yourself, or home-made wooden bins. Regardless of your choice, the container you use MUST provide aeration.
Worm Bedding
The bedding should be a "sea" for the worms, allowing them to burrow freely. The bedding should allow oxygen flow, be lightweight, retain moisture, be non-toxic, and be easily digested.
The following types of bedding are recommended:
The following types of bedding are recommended:
- Loam/top soil
- Organic peat moss
- Leaf mold from composting piles
- Shredded cardboard
- Shredded newspaper or computer paper
Adequate Moisture
Like oxygen, moisture in the red worm’s environment is very important. The worm’s surface membrane uses moisture to absorb the oxygen required for their metabolism. Too much moisture creates anaerobic conditions and too little moisture causes the worms to die from dehydration. The ideal moisture content of the bedding is 50-60%.
Provide for your worms what they prefer - cool, moist, low light conditions - and they will happily produce rich, organic fertilizer compost.
Provide for your worms what they prefer - cool, moist, low light conditions - and they will happily produce rich, organic fertilizer compost.
 VermaPlex | For a healthier vermicomposting binWorms need microbes to digest their food. Mix an ounce of VermaPlex in a quart spray bottle of non-chlorine. Spritz new bedding and as you add food for a healthier worm bin. |
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