Vermicomposting - The Wonderful World of Worms
Do you like worms? No, not the slimy kind that wriggle in the dirt. I'm talking about the Red Wiggler variety – those amazing creatures that can turn your kitchen scraps into rich, black soil in no time! If you're curious about vermicomposting but don't know where to start,
this post is for you. We'll cover what vermicomposting is to how to get started with your own bin of wriggling friends. Soil health has never been so fun!
Vermicomposting is the process of using worms to break down organic matter, like kitchen scraps and leaves, into rich compost. It's a great way to reduce your food waste while creating a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. Not to mention, it's a fun and rewarding
hobby!
There are two main types of worms we use in our vermicomposting: red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and european nightcrawlers (Dendrobaena hortensis or Eisenia hortensis). Red wigglers are the most common type of worm used in vermicomposting because they're efficient eaters and
reproduce quickly. They're also well-suited to living in close quarters with humans. European nightcrawlers are larger than red wigglers and can be great fishing worms but are not as common in vermicomposting bins.
Vermicomposting is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. It's also a fun and rewarding hobby! Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, vermicomposting is a great way to improve your soil health while reducing your food
waste. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
There are many different ways to get started with vermicomposting, but one of the simplest is to build your own bin. You can DIY your bins or purchase one from a vermicomposting supplier. Once you have your bin, fill it with bedding material (peat moss, coconut coir, or
pre-composted materials) and add your worms. Start slowly by adding a few scraps of fruit or veggie peels per week, and increase the amount as your worms multiply.
Maintaining your vermicomposting bin is relatively easy – just make sure to keep an eye on the moisture level and temperature. The bedding should be moist but not soggy, and the temperature should be between 55-77 degrees Fahrenheit. If things start to smell bad or get too
wet or dry, that's a sign that something needs to be adjusted.
Harvesting your vermicompost is also easy – just scoop it out of the bin and sift as you need it! You can use it to amend your garden soil or potting mix, or as a natural fertilizer for houseplants.
Common problems that people face when starting out are:
- Their bedding material is too dry or too wet
- Their bin is too hot or too cold
- Their worms are not eating enough
- They are not adding enough kitchen scraps
- Their bin smells bad
All of these problems have solutions that can be easily fixed! If you're interested in vermicomposting but have been putting it off because you're not sure where to start, this post is for you. We've covered everything from what vermicomposting is to how to get started with
your own bin.
If you’ve been interested in vermicomposting but have been putting it off because you're not sure where to start, this guidebook is for you! We've covered everything from what vermicomposting is to how to get started with your own bin. So what are you waiting for? Get
wriggling!
