What is Vermicomposting?

Vermicomposting is a method of composting that uses worms, typically red wigglers, to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This process not only reduces waste but also produces valuable fertilizer for gardens and plants. To start vermicomposting, all you need is a container with adequate ventilation and drainage, bedding material for the worms, and red wiggler composting worms. Below, we explain the benefits of vermicomposting, what you can and cannot vermicompost, how you can create your own vermicomposting system, and how you can use the vermicastings to improve your soil and garden. We also provide links to purchase top rated, commercially manufactured worm bins.

Benefits of Vermicomposting

Waste Reduction: Converts kitchen and garden waste into valuable compost, reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.
Soil Improvement: Produces nutrient-rich compost that improves soil structure, texture, and aeration, and increases its water retention capacity.
Plant Growth: Enhances plant growth and yields by providing a rich source of organic nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
Environmentally Friendly: Lowers greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste decomposition in landfills, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Cost-Efficient: Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, lowering gardening costs.
Easy and Low Maintenance: Vermicomposting systems are simple to set up and maintain, suitable for indoor or outdoor spaces.
Fast Composting Process: Worms work quickly, producing compost faster than traditional composting method

What Do Worms Eat?

Worms thrive on a diverse diet of organic waste, turning it into nutrient-rich compost. Feed your worms the following:

Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: Apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops, and more.
Coffee Grounds and Filters: A great source of nitrogen.
Crushed Eggshells: Provide essential calcium.
Grains and Bread: Small amounts of stale bread, pasta, and rice.
Cardboard and Paper: Shredded paper and cardboard as bedding and food.

What Do Worms NOT Eat?

To keep your vermicomposting bin healthy and odor-free, avoid feeding worms the following:

Meat and Dairy Products: These can attract pests and create foul odors.
Oily Foods: Foods like greasy leftovers can cause issues in the bin.
Citrus and Acidic Foods: Orange peels, lemons, and other citrus fruits can be too acidic.
Salty Foods: High salt content can harm worms.
Processed Foods: Items with preservatives can disrupt the composting process.
Onions and Garlic: Strong-smelling foods can be unpleasant for worms.

Stick to natural, organic waste to ensure a thriving worm bin.

Materials Needed to Start Vermicomposting

A vermicompost bin: a commercially available or DIY bin
Bedding: shredded, damp cardboard or paper; manure; compost; coco coir
Worms: Red wigglers

Build Your Own Worm Bin

Materials Needed:

3 Containers: 3-5 Gallon Buckets or Rubbermaid Roughneck totes work well
Drill with 1/4 inch drill bit
Bedding
Red wiggler composting worms x 1 pound per sq. foot

Instructions:
1. Drilling Holes for Drainage and Ventilation:

Using the 1/4 inch drill bit, drill holes in the bottom of two of the totes. The holes should be spaced approximately 1 inch apart to allow for drainage and worm migration.
Drill three holes on each side of these two bins for ventilation using the same drill bit.

2. Assembling the Worm Farm:

Take one of the bins with holes and nest it inside the intact bin (the one with no holes). The intact bin will catch any leachate (excess liquid) that drains from the worm bin above.
Prepare the bedding by tearing or shredding newspaper, cardboard, or egg cartons. Soak the bedding material to 80% moisture (when squeezed, only a drop or two of liquid should come out).
Alternatively, or in combination, you can use composted manure as bedding.

3. Adding Bedding and Worms:

Place the moist bedding into the bin with holes that is nested inside the intact bin.
Add your red wiggler composting worms to the bedding.

4. Adding Food Scraps:

Begin adding food scraps to the bin. Bury the scraps in the bedding to prevent odors and pests.
Only add new food scraps once the previous ones have been consumed by the worms.

5. Maintaining the Worm Bin:

Continue to feed the worms each time they finish their food.
Periodically add more moist bedding to maintain a healthy environment for the worms.

Harvesting Worm Castings from you Three Bin System:
1. Adding the Second Bin:

Once the first bin is close to full, place the second bin with holes on top of it.
Add fresh bedding and food scraps to the second bin.
For the next couple of weeks, feed the worms in the top bin. Worms will migrate up from the bin below seeking the food.

2. Removing the Castings:

Once the worms have migrated to the top bin, remove the middle bin.
The middle bin will contain worm castings that can be added to your garden as a rich fertilizer.

3. Repeating the Process:

Follow this process each time to continuously produce worm castings and manage your worm farm.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Bedding:

Keep the bedding damp but not soaking wet. If it dries out, spray it lightly with water. If it’s too wet, add more dry bedding.

Temperature:

Keep the worm farm in a cool, shaded place. Worms like temperatures between 55°F and 77°F (13°C to 25°C)

Worms Escaping the Bin:

Worms leaving the bin can be caused by several factors:

Temperature Issues: Worms prefer temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. If it's too hot or cold, relocate the bin to a more suitable location. For hot conditions, move the bin to a cooler area or provide shade. In cold weather, insulate the bin or move it indoors.

Moisture Problems: Ensure the bin is not too wet or too dry. The bedding should be damp like a wrung-out sponge. Excess moisture can be absorbed by adding dry bedding like shredded cardboard.

pH Imbalance: Worms thrive in a neutral pH environment. Acidic conditions, often caused by certain food wastes, can be mitigated by adding crushed eggshells or a small amount of agricultural lime.

Worms Not Eating:

If worms aren't consuming the food, it might be due to:

Bedding Issues: Ensure there's enough fresh bedding as worms also consume this. Add new bedding if most of the current bedding has turned into castings.

Temperature Extremes: Maintain an optimal temperature range for the worms to remain active.

Moisture Levels: Adjust the moisture if the bin is too wet or too dry. Proper moisture ensures worms are active and feeding well.

Overfeeding: Reduce the amount of food if there's uneaten food left. Too much food can overwhelm the worms and lead to anaerobic conditions.

Worms Dying:

Common reasons for worm deaths include:

Bedding Saturation with Castings: Over time, bedding can turn into castings which are toxic to worms if not replaced. Add fresh bedding regularly.

Protein Poisoning: Overfeeding can lead to food fermentation and gas buildup in worms, causing "string of pearls" syndrome. Remove excess food and refresh the bedding to prevent this.

Temperature and Moisture Extremes: Ensure the bin is kept in a suitable environment and maintains proper moisture levels.

Presence of Pests:

Mites: Red mites can be a nuisance and are usually attracted to acidic and moist conditions. Reduce moisture and add crushed eggshells to balance pH.

Fruit Flies and Other Bugs: Bury food scraps under the bedding and avoid overfeeding to minimize pests. Covering the bin with a breathable cloth can also help prevent flies from laying eggs.

If you have any questions please reach out to us!