Worm Compost
Organic
gardeners who
grow
organic
food, know the value in
adding vermicompost or worm compost to amend garden
soil. This process produces one of the richest forms of
fertilizer that you can use today. Vermicomposting improves
the soil quality, soil fertility, and also stimulates the
health of the roots of your plants. By utilizing vermicompost, gardeners
grow
food
that
is
better
for
us and more nutritious. Now that
you know that you can create a
very rich soil for your new garden through composting, let us look at
some of the basics.
When you introduce vermicompost to
soil, the structure of the soil itself is enhanced. The nutrient
rich
substance
that
is
produced enhances
the
soil
by
giving
it
the
ability
to
hold
enough
water
for the plants to enjoy a fruitful
existence and at the same time it allows for good drainage. With
worm
compost,
you
can
successfully
enhance
any
garden
soil
whether it is clay or on the other extreme sandy. By adding
vermicompost to your soil you are creating an environment that your
plants will love. Living in this enriched soil, your plants
will thank you by producing a bountiful crop.
What Is Vermicomposting?
Basically, Vermicomposting
is using worms to break down your organic waste and transform
it into a type of compost that is rich and can be
added to your garden or container soil. Red worms are
typically used in composting bins. The worms are not
the only organisms in the dirt that will be aiding the composting
process. Other organisms such as fungi, bacteria, mites, arthropods and
even insects love to live in the dark moist habitat. There is a
natural organic process that produces good compost without the use
of worms, but the worms readily decompose the organic matter and
therefore they rapidly expedite the process.
So, what
is the procedure of vermicomposting?
Simply put, you take a handful of
worms, put them in a bin of dirt with some shredded newspaper, a little
water and add your everyday organic waste. In a few weeks you will have
your worms producing the richest fertilizer that you may ever
use and as a result, you will be growing some of the
best tasting organic vegetables and your crops will produce
like never before.
Worm
Bins
The
worm
bins
are
typically
made
of
plastic. Remember that if you use wood, never
use
oak
wood due to the acid content which is detrimental to
your worm population. Also, you should have a cover for your container.
Make
sure
the
bottom
of
the
bin
has
drainage
holes
and
it
should
also
be
aerated
with holes in the side as well as on the top of the
container itself. A large plastic garbage can with a lid works well.
The container should be kept relatively warm as red worms do
not produce well or create compost well in colder climates.
The placement of the worms
and organic waste material is critical. You should place your
worms about 6-8 inches beneath the soil. Daily, add your organic waste
to the top of the soil. Always make sure to keep the right moisture
content. You want to keep your worms happy and healthy so they are
producing some of the best compost you will ever use.
The
moisture content of the compost material should feel
like a wrung-out sponge. With time, you will get to know how the worm
bedding feels by use of your hands. Using this method and through
experience, you will be able to tell if the compost is moist
enough but not too wet for the worms to continue breeding and
creating compost.
You may be
asking what type of organic waste I may add to worm bins.
Typically,
things
such
as
leaves,
grass
clipping
and
any
substance
that
is
organic
such
as
straw
or hay. Household waste could include such
things as coffee grounds, egg shells, and any leftover vegetable and
fruit scraps. Remember to never add oak leaves to
the vermicomposting process due to their acidic value. Also, never use
pet waste, as this will pass disease into your composting process.
Organic
Gardeners
Lead
the
Way
by
Utilizing
Vermicomposting
Although
modern technology is a mainstay for most of us, there is a movement
toward a naturalistic society which leans towards organically grown
food. Organic Gardeners are leading the way by utilizing
Vermicomposting in their gardens and producing extremely fruitful and
healthful top quality crops. Join us and grow an organic
garden and help the environment as well as your health.
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