Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is the practice of using worms to produce great compost. Anyone can compost this way, it’s easy, affordable, and doesn’t require a great deal of space.

To start vermicomposting, you will need a habitat for your worms, the right type of worms, base materials, kitchen scraps, and something with which to harvest your compost.

Bins like this one can be purchased online.

You can also make bins like this.

The worms used in vermicomposting are called Redworms, they are different from the earthworms that you usually find in the garden. Redworms worms can be purchased online or at some garden centers.

To start a worm bin, lay a foundation of a breathable fluffy material for the worms to burrow in.   A ratio of ⅔ cardboard and ⅓ peat moss is a good start. The worms also love shredded paper and autumn leaves.

The best temperature for worms is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While the worms can survive temperatures outside of this range, it’s best to try to keep them within this temperature range most of the time. Worm bins don’t smell, so if you live somewhere cold, you might consider keeping the bin inside during the winter. The same is true if you live somewhere hot during the summer.

Worms can’t eat metal, foil, or plastic. But they will eat fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds (even the paper filter), tea bags (remove the staple), eggshells, and stale bread.

To harvest the compost you simply sift it with some kind of mesh.

Some people get a little squeamish about this part, so consider investing in some gloves.

Vermicompost can be used in your garden like regular compost.