When it comes to creating compost, there is no better solution than worm composting. Worms will aide your compost pile’s decomposition rates and actually introduce more beneficial nutrients than your compost could ever create on its own. Not only will you have healthier plants because of worm composting, but you can actually save on your fertilizer costs and give back to the earth just by feeding worms.
Worm Composting Preparations
The first and most important step is to create your worm composting bin. Though you can purchase a ready-made tub, it’s easy to create your own by simply re-using a cheap eight-gallon plastic tub that is already lying around the house.
To use a plastic tub, you will first need to drill or cut small holes (about a quarter inch diameter) in the bottom every few inches. You will then need to place wire mesh that can be purchased at your local hardware store, to cover the bottom fully. On top of your wire mesh you will place two to three average size bricks and top them with a drip pan.
After the overall structure has been completed, you will now need to start the compost. Use moistened strips of newspaper and some dirt to sprinkle along the bottom of the bin. Using leaves from your backyard, add a thin layer of dead leaves into the mix. Ensure that your tub is at least ¾ of the way full of this preparation material. If for some reason your layers are too moist, use more newspaper to soak up the excess moisture; you need to have just the right level of moisture in order for a healthy compost to form. Once you have prepared the surface, you are now ready to add the next pieces to your compost.
Worms and Kitchen Scraps
After the base of your compost has been created, it is now time to add kitchen scraps and worms into the mix. The best rule of thumb is for every pound of garbage you add in kitchen scraps you can feed up to two pounds of garden earthworms (which are rather easy to find if you already have enough moist soil in your yard).
Gather up your earthworms and place them gently on top of your compost pile. Be sure to do this in bright sunlight or with a bright flashlight nearby. The bright lights will force your worms to burrow into the dirt rather than try to make an escape. After your earthworms have dug into the compost, replace the lid.
When it comes to kitchen scraps that you can and should toss into your compost, try using things such as vegetable and fruit scraps, crushed egg shells from breakfast, dry bread that you can no longer eat, lint from your dryer, coffee grounds, and even tea bags. No matter what you add to your compost, however, it needs to be chopped enough for your earthworms to actually eat it.
Good compost takes about three months to fully form. You will know that you have created a healthy compost if it is brown, crumbling and has a nice appearance. If you are going to use your entire compost pile for your garden, try creating another compost to start and add your old earthworms to it. If you are done worm composting, then give your earthworms to a friend as a gift to start their very own pile. No matter what, keep the green cycle going by reusing and recycling what you can when it comes to worm composting.
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