How to Use Worms to Compost
- 1). Select a wooden container if possible, although plastic bins can work. The container should be about 1 foot deep. The width and length of the container depend on how much space you have and how much food waste you accumulate in a week. Weigh your food waste for several weeks to determine how much you create on a regular basis. Generally, you will need 1 square foot for each pound of waste you accrue in a week.
- 2). Drill several holes on the bottom of the container to aerate. Plastic containers usually need more holes. Place the container on bricks to keep it a few inches off the floor or ground. Place a tray under the container to catch any moisture drips. If you notice the contents are getting too wet, drill more holes.
- 3). Gather bedding for the worms to live in. Shredded paper or cardboard, dead leaves, plants, straw, soil and sawdust are suitable materials. Create a mix of just a few of these choices, moisten the bedding and fill the container about 3/4 full. As long as there is about 3 to 4 inches of space from the top of the container, the worms will not escape. You will need a lid or cover for the container.
- 4). Stock the container with red worms (avoid any other type); 2,000 worms can compost 2 lbs. of waste per day. If you have less waste, reduce the number of worms proportionately.
- 5). Place food waste in the container as you use create it. Suitable food waste includes plant and vegetable matter, eggshells and coffee grounds. Place the waste underneath the bedding. Do not place meat, bread or dairy in the compost container. Do not place metal or plastic in the compost.
- 6). Remove the finished compost after two to three months. The finished compost cannot support worm life. Empty the compost container and manually pick the worms out of the dirt. Start the process over with new bedding in the container and put the worms back in. Use the separated soil for your garden or houseplants.
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