This is a simple truth, a natural process which has been happening for millions of years. However, today, many have used the same method and the process known is as vermicomposting. Worms eat my garbage, a lot of farmers, gardeners, horticulturists, and even fishermen are proud to say this.
The process of vermicomposting has been a long standing practice mainly because it’s a major factor in organic waste reduction, a source of rich fertilizer, as well as other uses including harvesting the worms for commercial bait in fishing. There are usually two main reasons for engaging in vermicomposting; one is for the rich fertilizer that the process produces and the other one is for harvesting the worms themselves. Either way, the benefits, economically and ecologically, are enormous.
As a matter of fact, many are exploring the possibility of small scale vermicomposting. If you have a small garden at home, this is a very good way of producing your very own organic fertilizer. Or if you are a fishing enthusiast, then it’s also a great way to get your own bucketful of plump worms for a day out at the lagoon.
Another group of people that say “worms eat my garbage” are people who are environmentally conscious. Since one of the essential aspect of the process is the use of organic waste. The worms feed on these organic waste, garbage from the garden and kitchen are being utilized positively and the otherwise useless heaps of dry leaves and bins of vegetable and fruit peelings are put into good use. By engaging in vermicomposting, waste is reduced by a good percentage.
But how does one start small scale vermicomposting? The three main components are: the worms you use, the composting bins, and the organic waste you will be giving to the worms. The whole set-up is pretty easy and as soon as you have everything you need, you can have a compost bin set-up in just half a day’s work, less so if you have some helping hands to lighten up the work.
One of the most useful books on vermicomposting is the one authored by Mary Appelhof entitled “Worms Eat My Garbage”. Though it’s targeted towards children who love to do something eco-friendly, adults will also benefit from this simple do-it-yourself book. First-timers will learn the do’s and don’ts of vermicomposting with easy to follow steps and illustrations.
Did you know that in ideal conditions, an earthworm can eat at least as much as they weigh in a day? This means that if you have a bin full of worms, at the end of the day, they can produce just as much compost, or technically known as worm casts. This end product of earthworm digestion is very rich in nutrients so favored by plants.
Worm casts have a better nutrient content that ordinary soil with five more time nitrogen, seven more times phosphorus, and eleven more times potassium. The number of beneficial micro-organisms is also eight times the number present as compared to the population found on their feed. The worm casts also have a high concentration of humic acids which are best for conditioning the soil. They have also been found to contain plant growth factors like those found in seaweeds. The casts also have an ideal pH balance.
One of the things to remember when making your very first compost bin is to weigh your household organic waste for one week and then supply each pound with one square foot of surface area. Also remember that your bin needs to be eight to twelve inches in depth since the worms are likely to feed in the top layers of your bedding. If you have a deep bin, it’s not that efficient and may even emit bad odor. Also make sure that your bin is properly ventilated and has proper drainage. You can use the leachate from your compost bin as a natural and organic fertilizer for your plants.
Another point to consider is, though you can say that worms eat my garbage you also have to start slowly; do not dump all your organic waste into your worm compost bin all at once. The earthworms and microorganisms need some time to build up their population and putting too much food, too fast with a few worms can only mean smelly weeks ahead of you. Gradually add more feed as your compost becomes more established.
There are so many resources that can help you get started on vermicomposting. Many would suggest the book “Worms Eat My Garbage” since it’s perhaps one of the most comprehensive guidelines on making your own compost.
At the end of the day, you can truly say worms eat my garbage and you know you have made a difference, not only in cutting the cost for organic fertilizer for your plants but also in contributing to waste reduction.
Worm Composting 101