Worm Composting

What do you call the process of composting with worms?

How does it work?

What do worms for composting do for the process?

Worm composting is known as vermicomposting. This type of composting is a little bit different from the traditional, but it also works in similar ways. It’s the perfect solutions for households of any size, with any amount of space available to devote to composting needs.

In this article, we’ll teach you all the basics you need to know about vermicomposting. You’ll find out how best to use worms in your compost, which worms to pick, and a lot more.

If you’ve ever felt like trying vermicomposting or you’re just interested in finding out whether or not it’s an option for you, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered plenty of information below to help you get started with the process.

With the right information and understanding of your new worm friends, you’ll be ready to put together a compost pile that will last and keep itself sustainable for many years to come. Brush up on your worm skills, educate yourself on their needs, and build a solid foundation for your new favorite creepy-crawlies right in your own backyard.

Learn all about worms for compost in our article below.

Worm Composting Basics

In this section, we’ll teach you the basics of worm composting. You’ll learn how to get started and what you need to purchase in order to begin your experience with your worms. There’s more to discover, of course, but this information can give you a good start and can help you expand your knowledge with regard to vermicomposting.

Brush up on your worm composting facts below.

How do you use worms in your compost?

1. First, you need to set up your bin. Choose a long plastic bin that has a locking lid to begin.
2. Put several small holes in the lid to provide oxygen to the worms. Make sure the holes aren’t too big, so worms won’t escape.
3. Layer the bottom with shredded paper that has been slightly moistened with water.
4. Add food scraps.
5. If you choose, you can also add some soil. This depends on how much food waste you have to begin with.
6. Add your worms, then close the lid of the bin and set it aside, out of the way.
7. Every week or so, gently turn the compost to aerate it. Each time you throw away food waste, sprinkle on some sawdust or additional shredded paper.
8. You may continue adding food waste until you’re ready to allow the compost to process.
9. Keep your worms between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
10. Keep the worms moist, and make sure to cut your food into small pieces before adding it to the worm bin.

What kinds of worms are your best choices?

• Red wigglers are the best worms for the job. They like the conditions that are present in a compost bin and are very quick at breaking down compost, too. Best of all, it’s not too hard to find red wigglers available for sale from many worm suppliers, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on them.

Where can you purchase worms for compost purposes?

• Most composting worms are sold by worm suppliers. These can be ordered by mail, or they may be available in some home improvement stores or green living stores, depending on your location. Bait shops may not have red wigglers—but some might.
• Otherwise, you may need to order your worms online. Many of the top worm suppliers also have web sites and can be reached through the Internet for orders. These orders are shipped quickly to prevent worms from dying in transit, so bear in mind that there may be additional shipping costs to consider.

What kinds of scraps can you compost with worms?

• Fruit and vegetable peels, rinds, cores, and leftovers are fine for worm bins.
• Yarn and fabric that is made from all-natural materials can be added to the bin, as can all-natural clothing.
• Egg shells are fine, but yolks and whites are not.
• Paper products that don’t have a glossy finish or any plastic windows can be shredded and added.
• Pet fur and human hair may be used in a worm bin.
• Coffee grounds as well as their filters may be included, and so can tea and tea bags, as long as there is no plastic or metal present.

How long does it take for worms to break down your compost?

• Once you stop feeding the worms with food scraps, it takes about a month or so for your compost pile to process.
• Keep in mind, however, that you’ll be filling up your compost pile before this point. Therefore, the overall amount of time may be much longer, depending on how quickly you fill the bin with food scraps.

Conclusion

Do you feel like you’re ready to begin composting with worms? This type of composting may not be for everyone. However, if you feel like you can handle working with worms, it’s a great way to create healthy, thriving compost that will last.

What are some of the benefits of composting with worms? Here are a few to consider:

• Worm composting doesn’t smell as badly or as strongly as other types of composting. Worms tend to help compost break down quickly, so it doesn’t smell rotten for as much time as it might in other types of compost. And since food waste should be buried within the soil to allow worms to have easier access to it, this waste won’t be near the surface, causing strong odors.
• The compost created by worms is a much higher quality compost than some other types. When worms defecate, they introduce healthy bacteria from their own bodies into the soil. These bacteria then improve the nitrogen levels within the compost and can help fight off the presence of unwanted kinds of bacteria, too.
• Worm compost doesn’t take too long to get started. Where you might have to wait several months for a traditional compost pile to get started, worms begin eating the waste within the compost pile right away. This choice should only take a few weeks for you to see results within your compost.
• You can easily compost with worms inside if you have an apartment or another small living space. You don’t necessarily have to devote outside space to the worms if you don’t want to. However, they do just fine outdoors, too, so there are plenty of options to help you get your worms started no matter what kind of space you’re working with.
• Finally, it’s not too expensive to get started composting with worms. Simply set up the compost pile, buy some worms, and add them to the soil. They’ll do their job immediately and you don’t have to spend much additional money on the setup.

If you choose to compost with worms, be sure to do your research and get your setup prepared so the worms will survive once they’re introduced. In no time, you’ll see great results from your compost pile!