A worms compost makes use of earthworms of the red variety to feed on waste and produce odorless compost. Naturally present microorganisms help in the decomposition that occurs in a worms compost as well.
1. This kind of compost is a great soil amendment since worms act as natural processing machines that turn nutrient-packed kitchen scraps into nutrient-packed compost.
2. Ask for red worms of the species Eisenia-Foetida and Lumbricus-Rubellus when ordering from a vermiculture farm.
3. A worms compost is ideal for breaking down food scraps. Worms feed on food scraps so rapidly that compost smell will hardly ever be an issue.
4. Composting with worms will not create a high enough temperature to eliminate pathogens and is, therefore, more suited for the processing of certain waste materials, such as recycled paper, yard byproducts, and food scraps.
5. Speed up decomposition in a worms compost even more by chopping, crushing or shredding, kitchen waste. For example, eggshells are better crushed to a powder and nutshells should be shredded into small bits.
6. Do not feed worms citrus rinds since these contain way too much acid. They also attract the pesky fruit fly. Strong smelling vegetables, such as onions, should also be avoided.
7. It is crucial to use only raw kitchen scraps as using those that have been sautéed in oil may attract pests. Also, never feed the worms meat (much less processed meat products!) and dairy products since these are too complex and will be more difficult for the worms to break down.
8. Remember the four basics of a good worm bin: FA - DMW
- Food
- Air
- Darkness
- Moisture
- Warmth
9. Just make certain that temperatures are not too hot so that the worm population is killed off. Control heat with moistened newspaper shreds, which are ideal worm beds. Wet leaves are also great for not only lowering temperature but also creating air pockets so worms can breath.
10. The size of the worm bin should be selected based on your regular kitchen scrap volume. Some popular sizes are five gallons and 10 gallons. Just make sure that the bin should be shallower than it is deep. The reason for this is that red worms live on the top half-foot of the soil.
One of the best things about worms composting is that – unlike regular composting that requires the maintenance of a balance of ingredients – it DOES NOT need a set ratio of nitrogen to carbon!
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