Vermicomposting

I have decided that I will fertilize my garden with worm castings. Therefore, it was necessary for me to think back... way back to my 7th grade science fair. Yes, Vermicomposting took me to the state science fair and has now reappeared in my adult life as a necessity.

What is vermicomposting? Well, in a nutshell, it's putting worms to work to eat you food and organic waste to create a wonderfully enriched soil.

After doing a little research I embarked on my first attempt to create a vermicompost bin for an apartment. Because the world is becoming "green" there are many resources of how to start. Here's what I've done:





First one must acquire a plastic tub, shredded paper or newspaper. Junk mail works out GREAT! (Thanks, Mom for the coupons.)
To help reduce the stink, drill holes into the tub.






In addition to the bin, you MUST have the lead characters. Worms, that is. From my science fair research, red worms are the best. You can either ask a friend for their worms or buy bait worms. I did both. I liked bought worms from the bait section of Wal-Mart. I saved some lives today.





The Skulavik Family's donation came in a reused water jug.
(Thanks Patti for your worms and lovely soil.)















Next, one must dampen the newspaper bedding. It should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Be sure to separate the sections of bedding as to allow for aeration. The moist paper allows for their skin to remain moist.
Place the worms on top of the pre-moistened bedding. A nice bit of soil will allow the worms to feel at home. After this, add food. I had been collecting food for about two weeks. This can include any food waste, paper, and yard clippings.






After you have given them food, cover them with dry bedding and they will start to work. To feed them, brush the dry bedding aside and place the food into the container. It is suggested to feed in a patter that will move the worms around the bin. Because this is such a small scale, I imagine alternating in 1/4s will help move them around. After a while, you will notice that castings will begin to pile-up. To get the worms to move away from the "golden soil" place food on the opposite end of the bind, wait a few days, even a week, and harvest the castings.

You can then place these castings directly on your plants.

I can't wait to see what these guys are going to give me! Hopefully I will have a really nice herb garden going.