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Vermiculture Part 1

Worms and kitchen scraps can produce compost for your houseplants and outdoor gardens.This is the first of two articles on this topic. The series will conclude next week.

The Activity: Setting up a vermiculture system for year round composting.

Why: Vermiculture or the cultivation of worms, is a great way to reuse food scraps andproduce a great soil amendment. Worm castings (worm waste) contain higher levels of

nitrogen than most other organicamendments. Worms are natural soil

builders and vermicomposting is aclean and efficient method to recycleotherwise wasted food. This activityreduces the volume added to thelandfill. It requires little space, andequipment. Children will be amazed athow quickly the worms work. Best ofall, winter is a great time to get startedon this project as it is an indoorgardening project.

How: The principles are not muchdifferent from composting outside, but

are modified to fit the indoor environment. Start by determining where in your home thevermicompost bin will be placed. The environment should have a temperature range of 55-77 degrees F. Temperatures below 50 degrees will slow down the worm processingactivities. Temperatures above 84 degrees inside the worm bin may be harmful or fatal toworms. A basement, heated garage, storage closet, or little used bathroom may be goodchoices. Its a good idea to have a water source nearby to keep the moisture content of thebin even, by either adding needed water, or eliminating extra liquid as the food scrapes areprocessed. The liquid waste produced by the worms is called compost tea and is a good

additive for plants. Ventilation, moisture, and balanced acidity are key to maintaining the binand will be discussed further in next weeks article.

To get started you need a bin, bedding, water, worms, and food for the worms. An opaquephysical structure such as a bin or container is needed to house the worms. This bin may behomemade or purchased. The size will depend on how much kitchen scraps are generatedin a week. A box measuring 1 ft. x 3 ft. x 2 ft. with about 1,000 active worms can processabout 6 quart baggies of non-greasy food waste per week. This would probably be a goodsize for a family of 4-6 people to start with. The worms will adapt to their living conditions, sothere is no need for great precision when planning your box.

Worms are natural soil builders. Photo by F. Bogardus

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Containers can be made out of plastic storagebins, wood, or metal tubs or pots or similaritems that you have available. Do not reusecontainers that have stored toxic substances.Cardboard boxes will disintegrate with theconstant moisture so are not appropriate.

If you decide to build your own bins make surethat your plan includes some ventilation, anddrainage features. This can be accomplishedby simply drilling holes in the top for ventilationand one hole, low down on one side fordrainage. The drainage hole will need aremovable plug. Purchased worm bins areusually made of plastic and are designed withscreens for harvesting, and drainage holes withspigots for draining off compost tea. For more information on building a cheap and easyworm bin visit:http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm.

Worms are very sensitive to light and need to be kept in the dark, which is why an opaquecontainer is recommended. Bedding will alsoprovide a place for the worms to hide indarkness and keep moist. Once the bin for theworms is constructed and the bedding isprepared, it is time to add the worms. Wormscan be ordered off the internet or purchasedlocally at garden centers. For a family of four,start with 1,000 worms, which is about 1 lb.Red worms also known as red wigglers or red

hybrids, are best suited to worm bins. Theirscientific names are Lumbricus rebellious, andEugenia fetid. They produce a large amount ofcompost and do better in a confined space.

The worms that are found in outdoor soil suchas night crawlers, have different characteristics,and are not recommended.

When:This project can be started whenever you wish. Once established, the worms onlyrequire weekly, not daily, attention.

Whats Needed: Purchased worm bin or homemade bin with a lid, which may require drillingholes and a stopper for the drainage hole.

To learn more about vermicomposting visit:http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtml. Next week this column willfocus on how to set up and maintain your vermiculture system.

When you have questions, CSU has research based answers. Get answers to yourhorticultural questions by calling the Master Gardener Volunteer Help Desk at 520-7684 or

Store bought bins are often stackable and expandable.

Photo by J. Markley

Homemade bins work well! Photo by J. Markley

http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm.http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm.http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtmlhttp://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtmlhttp://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtmlhttp://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm.

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emailing CSUmg2@elpasoco.com. Visit:http://elpasoco.colostate.edu/hort/hort-bloom.shtmlfor other articles written by Colorado Master Gardeners.

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