Organic Garden Fertilizer " How to Worm Compost
Vermiculture is the fancy word for worm excretion which is worm compost. Heres how to do your own worm composting.
Purchase a Container
You will need a container at least 8 to 12 inches deep. Wood is better as it absorbs moisture and insulates the worms. A rectangular plastic container is often used, but the compost tends to be soggy.
Have Plenty of Holes in the Bottom
After choosing your container, you must now drill holes for release of excess moisture as well as for allowing air flow. Each hole should be at least two inches apart from the last and spread across the entire bottom. Once this is completed, place the container on some bricks to keep it off the ground. This step allows for the air to flow around and through the container. Another bonus to this step is that a tray can be placed underneath the container to catch any excess fluid which can then be used as liquid fertilizer. If you notice your compost seems excessively wet, simply add more holes to the bottom.
Line with Newspaper
Place newspaper that has been shredded into one inch wide strips and has been dampened with water from a spray bottle into the bottom of the container. Next, simply add about one cup of sand. The sand assists the worms with digestion.
Save Kitchen Scraps
Just as you would save leftovers for your home composting, you will need to save your kitchen scraps for your worm compost. This should be started at least one week prior to purchasing your worms. The best foods are egg shells, used tea bags, coffee grounds and raw fruit and vegetable leftovers. The foods you want to avoid are meat, bones, cheese, milk or mayonnaise and salad dressings.
Purchase Your Worms
You will need to have at least 2 pounds of worms for each day of food waste. Surprisingly, this works out to be approximately 2,000 worms. The best variations for composting are red worms or red wigglers as they thrive off of organic materials such as rotting fruits and vegetables.
Cover the Container
Worms like it dark and moist, so cover with a wooden board when outside. This will also keep away predators. Inside, heavy plastic will do.
Collect Castings from Worms
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to notice the bedding is darker and in 2 to 3 months there will be little left to the original bedding. To collect all of the castings or compost at once, empty the bin on a tarp or old shower curtain into piles. Shine a light so the worms go to the bottom. Scoop the castings off the top until only worms are left. Start your bins over with some of the castings in your new bedding. - 17274
Purchase a Container
You will need a container at least 8 to 12 inches deep. Wood is better as it absorbs moisture and insulates the worms. A rectangular plastic container is often used, but the compost tends to be soggy.
Have Plenty of Holes in the Bottom
After choosing your container, you must now drill holes for release of excess moisture as well as for allowing air flow. Each hole should be at least two inches apart from the last and spread across the entire bottom. Once this is completed, place the container on some bricks to keep it off the ground. This step allows for the air to flow around and through the container. Another bonus to this step is that a tray can be placed underneath the container to catch any excess fluid which can then be used as liquid fertilizer. If you notice your compost seems excessively wet, simply add more holes to the bottom.
Line with Newspaper
Place newspaper that has been shredded into one inch wide strips and has been dampened with water from a spray bottle into the bottom of the container. Next, simply add about one cup of sand. The sand assists the worms with digestion.
Save Kitchen Scraps
Just as you would save leftovers for your home composting, you will need to save your kitchen scraps for your worm compost. This should be started at least one week prior to purchasing your worms. The best foods are egg shells, used tea bags, coffee grounds and raw fruit and vegetable leftovers. The foods you want to avoid are meat, bones, cheese, milk or mayonnaise and salad dressings.
Purchase Your Worms
You will need to have at least 2 pounds of worms for each day of food waste. Surprisingly, this works out to be approximately 2,000 worms. The best variations for composting are red worms or red wigglers as they thrive off of organic materials such as rotting fruits and vegetables.
Cover the Container
Worms like it dark and moist, so cover with a wooden board when outside. This will also keep away predators. Inside, heavy plastic will do.
Collect Castings from Worms
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to notice the bedding is darker and in 2 to 3 months there will be little left to the original bedding. To collect all of the castings or compost at once, empty the bin on a tarp or old shower curtain into piles. Shine a light so the worms go to the bottom. Scoop the castings off the top until only worms are left. Start your bins over with some of the castings in your new bedding. - 17274
About the Author:
Rhonda Abrons is a keen organic gardening enthusiast. She loves to share her gardening experiences and provide lessons about Organic Garden Companion Planting and DIY Recipes for Natural Pesticides on Clivir.com.
posted by X - Men at
5:58 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home