On August 16, children joined #GardenClubJax and Tiffany Bess of Apple Rabbit Compost to learn about vermiculture…worm compost!
Tiffany guided children through a fun lesson about the composting process, and how families can use their food scraps to feed their wiggly friends to make healthy compost for their garden.
Vermicomposting
Did you know the practice of using worms to create compost is called vermicomposting? Vermicompost is a mix of earthworm digestion and aerobic decomposition at room temperature. The end result is a rich organic soil that contains all kinds of nutrients and microorganisms that plants love.
Two great benefits of vermicomposting are keeping organic items out of landfill and creating resources from waste materials.
Not all earthworms are the same! The yard earthworms you usually see after a rain are not the best for vermicomposting. Instead, worms commonly known as redworms or red wigglers are preferred because they reproduce rapidly, are communal, and tend to remain on the surface while feeding.
If you want to start making your own earthworm bin, a 1-2 inch thick Styrofoam bin is a great beginners’ bin. They provide better insulation than plastic, and can often be gotten at pet supply stores.
Earthworms need to breathe, so be sure your bin is well ventilated, containing numerous holes on the bottom and at least two rows of holes along the bottom half and middle of the bin. Larger holes can be cut in the lid of the bin but should have a piece of cloth taped over top to discourage fruit flies. Worm bins should be raised off the ground with long stakes so that fresh air can flow under the bin. Earthworms like aerated soil. Next, fill about half of the bin with moist, shredded newspaper to use as bedding and then add a handful of garden soil, which will make sure the bin stays healthy with good microorganisms. You can also add sand that the worms use in their gizzard to grind food.
Now add the worms!
Worms like peace and quiet, so make sure you open the lid as little as possible–only for feeding and to check on bin health.
Happy vermicomposting!
