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New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund
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Vermi (Worm) Composting
Worms and Composting?
Vermicomposting is a method of composting food waste using worms such as red wiggler or manure worms. Earthworms can consume up to their own body weight of organic waste every day. In the process of doing so, they "cast off" what is referred to as earthworm castings. These odourless particles that resemble coffee grounds add humus, enzymes and beneficial bacteria to the soil, feeding plants throughout their lifetime. They also increase the moisture retention properties of garden soil and their physical structure aids soil aeration by providing water drainage channels.
Vermicomposting is ideal for apartment dwellers since it requires very little space and, if you don't overload the system, is virtually odourless. It is a good alternative for composting in the winter months as the bin can be set up indoors so you don't have to wade through the snow to get to a backyard composter.
Setting up a vermicomposting bin
Worm composting is fast and can be harvested in as little as three months. Although there are several commercial bins available, a simple way to set up a vermi-compost for a family of four is to buy or make a plastic or wooden bin about 24" x 20" x 12" (60cm x 50cm x30cm). A cover with holes will allow for aeration.
- Place bedding such as shredded newsprint in the bin.
- Add water to dampen newsprint. The paper should be as wet as a well wrung out sponge.
- Add about 2 cups of soil and a small amount of lime. Mix well.
- Place worms in bin.
- Light will encourage worms to burrow in the bedding.
- You can now feed your worms by placing vegetable waste in a hole in the bedding (also cover waste with bedding after placing in the bin). Place the vegetable waste in a different place each time.
- After three months your worms will have eaten the bedding and food waste leaving behind worm casting or compost to use on your plants and garden.
(Adapted from Valley SWC and Jolly Farmer sites http://www.valleysolidwaste.com/ and http://www.valleysolidwaste.com/)
Learn how to Compost
For details on how to compost, click on one of the following:
Backyard Composting | |
