Worm compost : Make It from Your Kitchen Scraps
Worm composting, also known as vermicomposting, is the process of transforming organic waste using worms to create fine black granular compost known as worm castings or worm compost. Rich in phosphorus, nitrogen, and other nutrients and trace minerals, worm compost is a great source of slow-release nutrients for your plants or lawn and is an excellent all round organic fertilizer and soil conditioner.
Worm composting not only produces lots and lots of usable soil, it also produces an endless stream of bait for trout fishing! Worm compost bins can be purchased, or a wooden crate, boxes, or a plastic storage bin will suffice at no cost. The bin should have a relatively large surface area, and there’s no need to worry about the worms escaping.
Worm composting is not only a great way to reduce waste, but it also provides a valuable byproduct: worm castings. Worm casting make a terrific soil amendment, improving soil structure by providing tons of beneficial micro-organisms.? The castings also increase water holding capacity of the soil, attract earthworms already present in the soil, and work to ward off pests and disease from nearby plants.
Finished compost can also serve as a top dressing on your lawn. But don’t delay too long as the finished worm compost (vermicompost) starts becoming toxic to the worms if it’s left in the worm bin for too long.
Wastes break down in one month to one year depending on soil temperatures, number of organisms in soil, and the carbon content of the wastes. Do not bury meat, bones or other fatty materials as it may attract pests. You collect he waste as it is produced right where it is generated, namely in the kitchen.
Bedding for the worms is provided, made of newspaper strips or leaves, which will hold moisture and contain the air spaces essential to worms. Bedding should feel like a moist, wrung-out sponge. Spray the contents of the bin lightly with water, and carefully stir it a little until it is evenly moist.
Bedding should be pH-neutral, non-toxic, fluffy material that holds moisture and allows air to circulate. Suitable bedding materials include shredded paper (newsprint, paper bags, cardboard, or office paper-no glossy paper or magazines); composted animal manure (cow, horse, or rabbit); shredded, decaying leaves; peat moss (which increases moisture retention); or any combination of these.
There are several species of worms you can use. Red wrigglers are the worms often used as a compost worm and they are good at turning plant and vegetable waste into nutrient rich fertilizer. Fishing fans please note, that Redworms are a great type of worm, because you can fish with them as well!
If your vermicompost bin is good and healthy, your worms are going to breed like rabbits. And don’t worry about them chasing away your existing worm if any are left in the garden with the compost, as Reds haven’t the strength to burrow into soil and usually die in the garden as a wonderful treat for your birds.
Red worms generally prefer temperatures in the 55 to 77 degree range. so, if you live in an area that has harsh winters, you’ll need to move your bin inside during the winter months or compost on a seasonal basis.
Vermiculture, or worm compost, is cheap, clean and effective. There are many great “How to Make Vermicompost” instructional books available that can help you determine what exactly you’ll need for your house or apartment size, and the amount of food waster you generate.
Thanks to the wonderful soil mix which can be used in your garden, you can get more yield from a smaller space.
Start your worm bin now and in a few months you’ll have rich soil perfect for gardening.
Listed below are some other websites with related information about this Compost topic:
Backyard Giants - WSJ.com
compost tea: Definition from Answers.com
CIWM AfOR Launches Home Compostable Certification Scheme
Composting | Reduce Reuse Recycle | US EPA
Tempe startup turns garbage into compost - USATODAY.com
The following are related composting posts, to be found on this website and which you may find interesting::
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Related terms: Red Worm Composting, Worm Farms, Worm Farming, Buy Worms, Tiger Worms, Worm Compost, Breeding Worms for Fishing, Dendrobaena Worms for Sale
Tags: green waste recycling, compost, commercial composting
