Worm composting (Vermiculture) is a fun way to make fertilizer from food scraps! It is excellent for small spaces and kids love it. It can be easy to do, but takes a little more effort than basic composting. Here are some keys to success.
Purchase a bin or build one out of wood, plastic, or a barrel. Your bin Should be to be 10 to 16 inches deep, have holes in the bottom or sides for ventilation, and have a snug-fitting lid. To keep rodents out, the holes need to be ¼-inch or smaller. The rule of thumb for bin size is two square feet of surface area per person. An average two-person house would need a bin about 4 square feet, or two bins that are each 1 foot by 2 feet.
Locate your bin where it will not freeze or overheat—in a pantry, laundry room or basement. Or you can keep your bin in your garden, garage or porch area, and move it inside or insulate it during the winter
Worms like to live under lots of Shredded moist paper or leaves. This helps keep them cool and moist, gives them fiber to eat, and prevents fruit flies from getting to their food. To make your worm bed, Shread Paper and fluff them up, then moisten them with a spray bottle so they are completely moist but not dripping. Fill your bin three-quarters full with this moist bedding. Shredded cardboard, leaves, compost, Do not use glossy paper or magazines But most color paper is just fine since most ink is soy based.
Compost worms are often called “red worms” or “red wigglers.” Their scientific name is Eisenia fetida. They are different from earthworms and nightcrawlers, which live underground. You can find red wigglers in an old compost pile, get them from a friend’s worm bin, or buy them from a worm farm.. Start with one to two pounds of worms, depending on the Size of your Family.
Give your worms about a quart (one pound) of fruit and vegetable trimmings, then leave them alone for a week or so while they get used to their new home. After that, feed your worms about half their body weight of food scraps per week. To avoid fruit flies and odors, bury food under the bedding. Always keep a 4- to 6-inch layer of fresh bedding over the worms and food in your bin. Add fresh bedding at least once every couple months. Keep bedding as moist as a wrung-out sponge. In a plastic bin, add dry bedding to absorb excess moisture. Wooden bins may require adding water occasionally.
You can start harvesting worm compost two to three months after you set up your bin. Simply pour the contents of the bin out on a black plastic bag in the sun. The worms will try and avoid the bright sun light, then simply swipe your hand over the top moving some of the compost to the side. The worm will continue to seek shelter. Soon you will have a ball of worms that you can put right back in your bin. To keep your worms healthy, harvest when it looks crowed.
You can continue worm composting all winter long if your bin is in an area that does not freeze (a pantry, laundry room, basement, or heated garage or porch). Or, you can let your worms rest through the winter outside by burying the bottom half of your bin in the ground and piling straw or leaves around and on your bin for insulation. You do run the risk of losing your worms outdoors during an uncommonly cold winter.
Happy Worming
