When thinking of vermicomposting, one will have to get hold of worm composting bins. If you are handy with do-it-yourself projects, you can make them yourself; however, if you do not have the time or the skills, there are many types of worm composting bins available in your local hardware or gardening store.

Using worms to degrade your organic wastes into high quality fertilizer is not only has economic benefits since you save money by producing your own organic fertilizer; moreover, you also contribute to waste reduction. In addition to these, another realized benefit of maintaining worm composting bins at home include having a ready supply of worms for fishing during the weekends.

Worm Composting Bin: A Self-Contained System

The essential components in this self-contained system are: worm composting bins, the worms, of course, a suitable environment, and regular maintenance. Though the worms need less effort than maintaining an outdoor compost pile where you need to turn it over at least once a week for better aeration, you still need to do some routine maintenance to achieve the best possible results. This usually means giving the worms their meals, meaning the organic household waste that you produce.

The Main Character: Red Wriggler Compost Worms

The most popular, and possibly, most efficient species of worm for your worm composting bins are the red wriggler compost worms, known in the scientific world as Eisenia fetida. They are also alternatively known as red worms, redworms, red wrigglers, manure worms, brandling worms, tiger worms, fish worms, among others. Other less common species of worms used in vermicomposting are the European Nightcrawler and the African Nightcrawlers.

Feeding Your Worms: Do’s and Don’ts

What do these little buggers eat, you may ask. As mentioned, they eat almost all organic kitchen and yard wastes. Any scraps from the table, spoiled food from the refrigerator as well as vegetable and fruit waste from food preparation can be given to your worms. Coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, newspaper, even the contents (as long as it is chiefly hair and dust) of your vacuum cleaner after cleaning the house are good additions to their diet.

However, these worms are partial against onions and citrus fruits so it would be better to put them in less amount or not at all. It is also recommended that you do not give them meat, not only because they can lead to foul smell but also decaying meat are likely to attract pests such as rats. Also remember to feed your worms with biodegradable wastes only. Materials such aluminum foil, plastic bags, bottle caps, and glass should never be put into the compost bin.

Compost Bin Maintenance: Things to Remember

Worm composting bins are pretty sensitive when it comes to optimum environmental conditions. Ideal temperature range must be between 50°F and 80°F. This usually means a space in the kitchen; garage or basement needs to be cleared out for the compost bin. Ventilation and aeration is also important since worms are also breathing living animals. Make sure you have sufficient holes for enough air to circulate. It also helps to elevate the bin to help in ventilation.

The bedding of your bin has enough depth and this depends on the size of your container. Suitable bedding materials include shredded newspaper or cardboard, brown leaves, and peat moss. Moisture is a vital component of your bedding and a 75% moisture content must be achieved to make it a conducive growing environment for the worms.

Do not feed the worms with your organic waste daily. This should be done every two to three days. Dig a small hole in the bedding when adding waste and cover the hole with bedding. It can also be sprinkled on top of the bedding or placed in a shallow trench. If you notice foul odor emanating from your worm composting bins, this is a pretty good sign that you have insufficient ventilation and/or you have been adding too much feed, too fast into your compost. To address this, simply remove a portion of the bedding and add a fresh batch.

Vermicomposting: Start Your Own Bin Now

Vermicomposting is far from being an exact science. A lot of worm farmers will tell you many of different ways on how to go about it. However, just learn the basics, carefully observe your worm composting bins, and sooner you’ll come up with your own efficient system. Remember, it does pay to take it easy and not rush things. At first, you will experience a few mistakes but learn from them and those little wrigglers are going to grow and multiply faster than you can say worm composting bins.

How to Make a Worm Compost