Vermicompost
Vermicomposting is a method of composting that uses worms to break down organic feedstock. The worms digest the material and produce nutrient-rich compost. While it may sound unappealing, worm castings (worm poop) are highly valuable as it can improve soil structure, increase fertility, and promote healthy plant growth. Vermicomposting also produces a liquid byproduct called leachate, which, when diluted with water, can be used as a natural fertilizer by spraying it on plant leaves or pouring it into the soil.
What to know
Worms
Vermicomposting uses a specific type of worm called the Canadian Red Wiggler. These worms are ideal for indoor systems because they thrive in contained environments and are efficient at eating and producing compost quickly enough to keep up with your food scraps.
Vermicomposting can be successfully done both in and outdoors but depending on your climate it is best to keep them indoors. The red wiggler worms best thrive in temperatures between 40 to 80° F. Anything above or below can cause the worms to die.
Environment
Worms like to have a very clean diet. They prefer to stick to their fruits and vegetables. They will occasionally nod on coffee grounds and egg shells because they are also high in nitrogen.
Worms will stay away from foods that are to acidic, like onions, garlic and even oranges.
What they eat?
How does it work?
The Lid
The lid is there to prevent direct light.
Bin or Levels
The bin or levels allow the Vermicompost system can be as small or as tall as you favor. The lower shelves we have the most mature compost.
Each bin's bottom has holes that allow the worms to travel for food.
Faucet
Whether you make one or buy a vermi-bin be sure it has a faucet. This is how you will extract the leachate.
Services
Composting doesn’t always go perfectly, but with a few simple tweaks and easy fixes!
Unwanted Pest
When food scraps are expose to air or theres too much food inside, it can attracted unwanted pest.
The best way to get rid of them is to burry the food completely and reduce the amount of feeding rate and amount.
Mold Forming
Mold can start to grow when the bin conditions become too acidic.
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Bad Smells
Can occur when the food scraps are expose to the air, theres too much food or the bin is not getting enough ventation
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Too Dry / Wet Bedding
Can occur when the food scraps are expose to the air, theres too much food or the bin is not getting enough ventation
If the bedding is too wet remove the lid or add more brown material.
If the bedding is too dry mist some water.
Dead Worms
If worms are dying this could be due to multiple environmental factors; bedding too dry/wet, temperature is too high/low or not enough food.
To reduce worm mortality make sure bedding is moist, theres plenty of food and the temperature is in the healthy zone.
Lingering Questions
Still have lingering questions?
Want to get started?
You can bulit one with a few materials
Buy one online.
OR
​For the build you will need:
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Stackable Buckets or containers with lids
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Drill and drill bits
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A spout
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Glue
​For the worms you will need:​
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Bedding of your choice: coconut fibers, etc
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Red wigglers worms
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Food
Build Your Own Vermicompost
Step two:
Use a drill bit to make holes on base of your desired containers. These holes will be used by the worms to travel between containers. You want the holes to be big enough to allow the worms to go through them but not so big that it your bedding can go through it easily.
Step three:
Also drill holes to the lid to ensure the worms are able to breathe.
Step four:
Now you stack the buckets/containers and add the worm bedding of your choosing.
Step five:
After the bedding has been added and its nice and fluffy, its time to add the red wigglers and some food.
Directions:
Step one:
Choose a bucket/container to be the bottom part of the vermicompost system. Using the drill make a large hole near the bottom of the bucket/container. This hole will be used to add the spout.
$100
​It includes:
- Coconut bedding
- Basic bools
-Instructions manual
- 3 building trays
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$75
This Composting bin is from Home Depot.
You can choose from different colors.
It includes:
- 2 building trays
$50
It includes:
- 2.5 gallons each bucket
- Feeding guide
- coconut bedding
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Buy a Vermicompost
Purchasing your very own Vermicompost is always fun, these are some varies options.
*We are not sponsor and don't receive commission, these are just recommendations.*