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Information
  
Worm Composting
Worm Composting is the process by which worms create
vermicompost, or worm compost, by eating food scraps
and other organic materials. This worm compost is
great to grow plants as the worms are eating
nutrient-rich scraps and converting them into
nutrient-rich compost.
Uses for Worm Composting
Worm compost can be used immediately or stored for
use at a later date. Compost can be mixed with
potting soil or as a top layer for your indoor and
outdoor plants. Worm compost can also be used to
make "worm tea"- which helps make nutrients in the
soil available to plants.
Starter Compost Bins
Uses:
Great do-it-your-self
composting for the experienced and
not-so-experienced green thumbers. Compost bins are
an ideal way to get rid of scrap foods in an
environmentally responsible manner and green up you
lawns and gardens in the process. Worm castings are
great natural fertilizers.
Care Instructions:
Store in
temperatures between 40-80 oF. Worms
require moist bedding. To increase moisture, add wet
fiber. To reduce moisture, add dry finer.
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Loves
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Hates
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Shredded Paper
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Coffee Grounds
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Meat
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Shredded Cardboard
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Apple Sauce
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Dairy
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Fruits (Not too ripe)
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Egg Shells
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Citrus
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Vegetables (Past Their Prime)
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Junk Food
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Worms
Uses:
Break down
organic waste to make a natural fertilizer; aka
Vermicomposting. Very active fishing worms, they
last longer underwater. Worms also benefit soil by
moving and mixing it. Worm burrows help loosen soil
which lets in air and water.
Care Instructions:
See Starter
Compost Bin care instructions. Do not feed worms any
non-biodegradable items including plastics, aluminum
foil, glass, etc...
Worm Tea Bags
Uses:
Make your own Worm Tea from bags of worm
castings.
Care Instructions:
Q & A
Why is my worm's food getting moldy?
You are feeding them too much. Remove the moldy
food; they do not like it. It makes them vulnerable
to infestation.
Why does my worm bin "stank"?
Uneaten food becomes anaerobic. Add damp newspaper
or cardboard over the food. Stop feeding for about a
week. Also, try adding some rock dust or crushed
oyster shells.
Help! My worms are escaping!
Your bin
is probably too wet or too dry. If too wet, add more
bedding. If too dry, moisten bedding. Easy breezy!
What are the best composting worms?
Red worms are the best to use in home vermicomposting.
They process large amounts of organic material.
How much do worms eat?
Worms
to garbage ratio should be about 2:1. Use about 1/2
pound of garbage per 1 pound (1000 worms) daily. The
worm bin should be equal to one square foot surface for
each pound of garbage per week.
More Information:
There is
plenty of information on the internet regarding
vermicomposting these days. Below is a list of some
recommended sites where we have found useful
information.
US
Environmental Protection Agency: Wastes - Resource
Conservation - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Composting
Composting for Kids
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by Robert E. (Skip) Richter,
CEA-Horticulture, Travis County, Texas Agricultural
Extension Service
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