A can of rich, crumbly compost can be produced in just eight to twelve weeks.
In this article
What is Worm Compost?
They reproduce quickly in the confines of a worm bin.
Start out with at least 1,000 worms (18 oz) in weight.
The easiest way is to purchase them by mail order or over the Internet.
If there isnt access to one, they are easy to make.
Location of the Worm Bin
Worms should be kept at temperatures between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anything lower will slow down the composting process.
However, the worms can survive at lower temperatures.
Keep the temperature constant and out of direct sunlight during the summer.
Excess food will spoil before they can process it, resulting in an unpleasant smell.
The worms will not process rotten food and may die.
Add no more than 34 quarts of food at a time.
Build up the feeding gradually to get an idea of how much they will eat.
Its rich in humus, and has good water-holding capacity.
Worms can be bought over the Internet.
Its possible to find them in a manure stack or compost pile.
However, ordering is probably an easier more pleasant way of acquiring them.
The cans must first be aerated on the bottom, sides and top by punching or drilling small holes.
The holes should not be larger than a No.
6A nail and the container must have a cover.
The holes allow excess water to drain; too much water drives out oxygen and suffocates the worms.
The holes should be cleaned when the compost is emptied from the can.
These worms (deep maroon in color) are not the same as those found in the garden.
Red wiggler worms thrive only in manure or garbage and are rarely found in ordinary garden soils.
To start the cans for compost, do it in layers.
Next, put in two inches of soil and add the worms.
Continue adding kitchen waste and layering as needed until the can is full.
Always end with worms and garden soil to make it exclude flies and prevent maggots.
Start a new can in about six weeks.
It takes about 12 weeks for the compost to be ready to harvest.
Start by emptying the can in a pile on a worktable or plastic.
Shine a floodlight over the pile and the worms will retreat to the center of the pile.
Scrape the worm-free soil from the top and sides of the pile.
Repeat until all that is left is a wriggling mass of worms to be used for the next can.
The resulting compost is a good top dressing for the garden or can be used as a boost forhouseplants.
Precautions in Worm Composting
The worms will not survive if the compost freezes.
Put the can in a warm place for the winter to prevent freezing.
Continue layering the can throughout the winter months so it can be used in the spring.
Do not add milk or meat products, fat, bones or items with pesticides.
Banana and orange peels should be used minimally.
Chop kitchen scraps into small pieces to speed up the composting.
The red wigglers can also be added to the outdoor compost bin to speed up that process.
