Copyright 2004, 2006 Ellen
Sandbeck, De la Terre Press
A
DEFINITION:
Vermicomposting is the
scientific term for the homely art of harnessing the power of
earthworms to increase the speed, ease, and efficiency of composting.
In contrast to traditional composting methods, vermicomposting
requires very little effort: after the compostable materials have
been introduced into the bin, the worms do all the work. In fact,
vermicomposting is so efficient and odorless that it makes a fine
indoor hobby.
THE PRODUCT:
The
end product, vermicompost, AKA worm castings, has passed through
earthworms' digestive
systems. Vermicompost is extremely lively: it contains more than 100x
as many beneficial bacteria and fungii as can be found in the
surrounding soil. It also contains plant growth factors and B
vitamins, as well as high levels of soluble calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus, and potassium. Vermicompost is Nature's
most perfect fertilizer.
THE LIVESTOCK:
Red
Wriggler composting worms, Eisenia fetida, are quite easy to
keep in captivity. They make no noise and possess neither teeth nor
hair to inflict bites or cause wheezing. They are entirely innocent
of eyes, limbs, or ears, and are susceptible to fatal dehydration
when in the open air, so they are generally loathe to run away. Even
the most timid and allergic among us should have no trouble in
keeping their composting worms under control.
THE SIMPLEST SETUP:
A 20 gallon or larger plastic
bin or wooden box, approximately 20 inches high. Drill a single half
inch diameter hole in the bottom, near the front edge of the bin.
A
two foot length of synthetic rope, cord, or heavy yarn. Thread
the rope through the hole in the bin, and tie a knot in the end that
is big enough to keep the rope from pulling through the hole. This
rope will serve as a wick to guide the flow of effluent (worm juice)
out of the bin and into a milkjug that is set below
the bin.
A
table, stand or blocks to set the bin up off the ground.
Enough
peat moss, finished compost, or coffee grounds to form a
minimum 4 inch deep starting bed for the composting system.
Peat moss is somewhat
hydrophobic: dampen it in water and squeeze out the excess moisture
before putting it in the bin. If the coffee grounds or compost are
dry, water them down.
Pour
a cupful of fine sand over the peat moss at the bottom of the
bin.Worms, having no teeth, are dependent upon the grinding
action provided by sand in their gizzards.
Put
at least a pound (more is better) of Red Wriggler worms on top
of the damp peat moss or compost in the bin. They will dive to get
away from the light.
Put
at least a 2 inch deep layer of dry leaves on top of the worm
filled peat moss or compost. These dry leaves will hereinafter be
referred to as -bedding-.
Cut
a piece of black plastic sheeting or out of a heavy duty leaf
bag to fit the top of the bin. Lay the sheeting on top of the bedding
layer to keep the worm compost moist so the worms will stay happy,
healthy, and home.
SUITABLE FOODS:
Do
feed: fruit and vegetable detritus, whole wheat products, dry
leaves, plant trimmings
Don't
feed: white flour products; salty foods (unless they are rinsed
off); foods that contain preservatives; hay; straw; grass clippings;
NEVER PUT NEWSPAPER IN A WORM BIN!!!!
FEEDING METHOD:
A worm bin should be fed in
rotation, one section per week, so that it takes a minimum of a month
to return to the first section that was fed.
Brush the bedding leaves aside,
and use your hands to scoop a hole out of the compost --metal
implements kill worms- and put the displaced compost in a bucket.
Fill the hole with kitchen
scraps. Pour the set-aside compost from the bucket onto the kitchen
scraps. Smooth the compost over the scraps and make sure that the
scraps are completely buried under at least 2 inches of clean
compost.
Add dry leaves until the
bedding layer is at least 2 inches deep.
Cover with the black plastic
sheeting.
USING THE END PRODUCTS:
Worm
compost is extremely concentrated. Use it very sparingly. It is a
fertilizer, not a soil amendment.
Water
worm juice down: one part worm juice to twenty parts water.
Use it to fertilize plants.
Courtesy of Laverme's
Worms
Reducing Waste Since 1988
Composting worms, composting
bins for homes, schools, and institutions
Vermicomposting is the
scientific term for the homely art of harnessing the power of
earthworms to increase the speed, ease, and efficiency of composting.
In contrast to traditional composting methods, vermicomposting
requires very little effort: after the compostable materials have
been introduced into the bin, the worms do all the work. In fact,
vermicomposting is so efficient and odorless that it makes a fine
indoor hobby.
