Vermicomposting

By Ashley Haas

What is Vermicomposting?

•Composting with “vermi”

•Worms break down organic material and turn it into a usable form of compost

•This compost is extremely high in nutrients.

Worms

•Eisenia foetida

Castings

Buncha Crunch

Why Vermicompost?

•Produces compost that can be used in gardens/houseplants

•Breaks down yard debris (sticks, leaves, grass clippings)

•Breaks down un-eaten food

•Great for the environment

Compared to ordinary soil, vermicompost has : 5x more Nitrogen 7x more Phosphorus 1.5x more Calcium 11x more Potassium 3x more Magnesium

Where to Compost?

•Can be done inside or outside

•Little to no smell emitted as long as the box is maintained

•Can be a large or small container

Setting Up A BinYou will need:

•Tupperware Bin•Newspaper•Peat moss/soil•Spray bottle•Worms

Directions:① Drill holes in

Tupperware box for drainage and ventilation

② Shred newspaper into 1 inch strips.

③ Add newspaper into box along with soil/peat moss

④ Spray Bin

⑤ Add Worms(1000 worms=1lb of worms)

My Experiment

My Experiment

Potting soil Miracle Grow Vermi

Vermicompost Bins In College Dormitories

•Small bins that can fit easily under a desk or outside in a common area•Will emit little to no smell if maintained•Will decrease the amount of food and paper thrown away. •Compost can be collected every few months and added to college gardens/greenhouses•Students and school will be more sustainable

•The school can offer an informative seminar where bins will be handed outand students will learn how to construct and maintain their bin. Then worms can be handed out.