An Introduction to Vermiculture
The idea of keeping worms may creep some people out at first. But when you consider the benefits it makes sense to try this easy way to add quality and hardiness to your garden. You can purchase composting worms, or "Red Wigglers" online, at your local feed store or other local gardening venues. I obtained my first batch from a neighbor whose burgeoning patch of worms needed thinning out. She plopped a handful of the wriggly guys into an old yogurt container, and I carried them to their new home. Don't keep your worms in a warm car for too long! At my local farmer's market a woman sells bags of "castings", the nutrient-rich excrement of worms you can stir into your garden to enrich the soil. Keep your own worms so you always have castings on hand, and you can make "compost tea" to help your plants grow and protect them naturally from pests. Instructions for making your own worm bin are in this video. Place your bin in a well-ventilated area such as a laundry room, garage, balcony, under the kitchen sink, or outside in the shade. Place the bin on top of blocks or bricks or upside down plastic containers to allow for drainage. You can use the lid of the second bin as a tray to catch moisture that may drain from the bin. This "worm tea" is a great liquid fertilizer that can be used right away on your indoor or outdoor plants. What Worms Eat Feed the red wigglers every two to three weeks, depending on how fast they're going through what you give them. Don't overwhelm them with too much food. I once gave my worms too much cantaloupe and it actually smothered them! So keep an eye on how quickly they devour their food. Feed them slowly at first. As the worms multiply, you can add more food. Gently bury the food in a different section of the bin each week, under the cardboard or newspaper. Occasionally add crushed eggshells for calcium. Keep your worms damp but not saturated with pooling water. Worms are vegetarians. They like green stuff and absolutely no meat and no dairy. That means no bones, no grease. Almost anything else that would normally go down the garbage disposal can go into your worm bin. Don't be surprised if some foods are eaten faster than others. Worms have preferences just like we do. Worms LOVE:
When the first bin is full and there are no recognizable food scraps left, split the bin and begin the harvest of worms. Start a second bin, or gift it to a friend!
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AuthorI love farming! I learn something new every day. My goal is to share it with you! ArchivesCategories |