Category Archives: vermicompost
How should I be feeding my worms and how long it takes for the food to start breaking down?
Hi, I just started a worm farm with my son. We are using 18 gal Rubbermaid bin and followed the directions on your web. We have been at it for 4 wks and I think things are going well, but I am confused as to how much I should be feeding the worms and how long it takes for it to start breaking down? We are planning on using the castings for our garden. Thanks,” ~ Kristina T. Continue reading
When setting up a worm composting bin, what is the ratio of soil/lime/bedding to use?
To be totally honest, when setting up a new system I won’t even add soil or lime. In my humble opinion neither of these is really needed in a worm bed at all, and IF used, should be added rather sparingly. Continue reading
Setting up a worm bin, using the bin ‘aging’ method
Let’s look at a basic setup of a worm bin/bed using the bin ‘aging’ method, something which we highly recommend for a much better chance of success.
When setting up a new worm farming system or small home bin it’s always important to keep in mind the fact that you are creating (or at least attempting to create) and ideal habitat for your worms. While these creatures are certainly forgiving compared to a lot of other ‘pets’, they do still have some important requirements – moisture, oxygen, warmth, some sort of bedding, and of course a ‘food’ source. Continue reading
Will a worm farm work to recycle dog excrement?
Generally speaking, dog and cat feces should not be used as a worm food source or in a compost heap. Both have the tendency to be difficult to work with (strong unpleasant odor etc), but even more importantly they can create health hazards for humans. Continue reading
Techniques to help speed up the decomposition of food materials for your worms.
“I am experimenting with recycled news paper sludge from work as bedding/feed. The worms seem to be happy in it, but the green food seems to take a long time to break down. Chunks of lettuce are still crisp after three weeks. Is there any way to speed up how fast food breaks down?” ~ Justin Houghtelling Continue reading
Chemical side of worm casting
I do realize that the chemical and microbial content of each and every worm farm would be different and I am sure everyone accepts that, but as a general guideline what is the norm for worm casting. I myself have had a few bad experiences, like planting a pot plant into pure worm castings with great expectations as I thought this was the best stuff in the whole wide world, the plant did not do well at all, even with potting soil 50:50 mixture no fireworks. I am sure you have heard many such stories. My point being please points us with a general rule of thumb to follow using our worm farm harvests. Thanks” ~ Kevin Elphinstone Continue reading
Worm Tea Recipe
I’m often asked if the casting produced from an indoor worm bin would be enough to fertilize a family size garden.
I decided to post the “Organic Worm Farm” newsletter about a good worm tea recipe. Using compost tea is the best way to feed your plants (indoor as well as out side). This way, a little bit of casting can go a long way! Continue reading
Turning over your vermicompost system?
Here is a good piece from “Worm Farming Secrets” on a frequently asked question:
“Hi there, is it ok to turn your compost over to further aerate
it?” ~ Eileen Collins
Coconut coir blocks, great for bedding.
Hi Eileen,
That is a great question because many people get confused between
a vermicomposting and traditional composting in that they think
you need to aerate it by turning it. Continue reading