
In this podcast episode, I discuss composting with worms. Vermicomposting is a fantastic way to compost and provide valuable nutrients for your garden, here’s what you need to know to get started with your very own composting system.
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Have you ever thought about turning your food scraps into garden gold? Today, I want to talk about a fun, easy, and eco-friendly way to improve your garden soil: vermicomposting! Yup, it’s composting, but with the help of worms. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, vermicomposting can work for anyone.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to set up your very own worm bin, what to feed your worms, and why worm castings are fantastic for your garden. Let’s dive in!
What is Vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting is simply composting with worms. Worms munch on your kitchen scraps and yard waste, and they produce something amazing: worm castings (a.k.a. worm poop). This worm poop is a rich, nutrient-packed fertilizer that’s great for your garden, especially for seed starting and container gardening. Plus, it’s a super fun and easy way to reduce food waste at home.
Why Compost with Worms?
You might be wondering, “Why should I use worms when I can compost outside in a regular bin?” Here are some reasons:
- Composting in winter: Worms can keep working inside when your outdoor compost pile might slow down due to the cold.
- Less space: You can do this right in your kitchen or basement—perfect if you don’t have much yard space.
- Great for the garden: Worm castings are amazing for your plants. They help retain moisture and add tons of nutrients to the soil.
- No smell: A well-maintained worm bin doesn’t smell bad. In fact, you might forget it’s even there!
How to Build a Simple Worm Bin
Let’s start with an easy setup that you can build yourself with just a couple of basic supplies. Here’s what you need:
Materials:
- Two 10-gallon plastic storage bins with lids
- A drill
- Some shredded paper or cardboard (for bedding)
- Food scraps (like veggie peels or coffee grounds)
- Red wiggler worms (these guys are the composting champions!)
Step-by-Step:
- Drill holes: First, you’ll want to drill small holes (about ¼ inch) around the top of one bin for air. Then, drill some holes in the bottom of the same bin for drainage.
- Add bedding: In the bottom of that bin, add a few inches of shredded newspaper or cardboard. This will be your worms’ bedding, so spray it lightly with water—just enough to make it damp, like a wrung-out sponge.
- Layer your food scraps: Add a small layer of food scraps like fruit peels, veggie scraps, and coffee grounds. Avoid meat, dairy, and anything salty.
- Add the worms: Place your red wigglers on top of the food and bedding. They’ll quickly burrow down and get to work.
- Cover and wait: Finally, place a lid on the bin and set it inside the second, undrilled bin to catch any liquid runoff (known as “worm tea”).
Congrats! You now have a simple worm bin.
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Feeding Your Worms: What to Put In the Bin
Your worms are not picky eaters, but there are some things they like and things they should avoid. Here’s a quick list:
Worm-Friendly Foods:
- Fruit and veggie scraps (like apple peels, banana peels, carrot tops, etc.)
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (without the staple)
- Crushed eggshells (these help with worm digestion)
- Shredded paper or cardboard
Foods to Avoid:
- Meat or dairy (these can smell bad and attract pests)
- Citrus peels (too acidic for worms)
- Oily or salty foods
- Pre-packaged, processed foods with preservatives
Remember to feed your worms in small amounts at first. As they reproduce and eat more, you can increase their food supply.
How to Harvest Worm Castings
After a few months, your worm bin will be full of dark, crumbly worm castings. But how do you harvest them without losing your worms? Here’s a simple way:
- Stop feeding for a couple of weeks: This will help the worms finish off any remaining scraps.
- Shift the food: Push all the worm castings to one side of the bin and start adding fresh food and bedding to the other side. The worms will naturally move over to the new food, leaving behind their castings.
- Scoop out the castings: After a few days, you can scoop out the worm castings from the side they’ve vacated. Easy peasy!
Troubleshooting Tips
- If it smells bad: Your bin might be too wet. Add more dry bedding like paper or cardboard and cut back on the food for a bit.
- If worms are trying to escape: This could mean it’s too dry, too wet, or too hot. Adjust moisture levels and keep the bin in a cool spot.
- If there are fruit flies: Bury your food scraps deeper and add more bedding to keep them covered.
Why Vermicomposting is Great for Your Homestead
Vermicomposting isn’t just about getting rid of food scraps. It’s about making something valuable for your garden. Worm castings are one of the best organic fertilizers you can use, and it’s totally free once you’ve set up your bin. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids (or yourself!) about recycling, nature, and sustainable living.
Final Thoughts
I hope this inspires you to try vermicomposting on your homestead! It’s an easy, low-maintenance way to make your garden healthier and reduce waste. And once you start, you might find it’s a fun and rewarding project that the whole family can enjoy.
Got questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below!
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