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USING COMPOST

numbers. The addition of a little dolomite or lime will correct this.

Worms need to be kept moist but not soggy. If they dry out they willdie, or if its too wet they will drown.

Fruit and house flies can be troublesome if added food isnt buried inthe bedding.

If odours are produced, this is usually because the unit has beenoverfed, allowed to become too moist or the bedding has become packed,limiting air flow. Odours generally result from anaerobic (lack of freeoxygen) conditions, so it is important to correct not only for odourreasons but also because the conditions may well be toxic to the wormswhich need oxygen to live.

As worm composting doesnt generate heat, any seeds included with the

food may still germinate, eg; tomatoes, pumpkins.

Finished worm compost is nutrient rich and as such is an excellentmaterial for topdressing container plants and as an ingredient in pottingmixes. It can also be used in the garden to condition the soil every time

you plant (a handful mixed into the soil when transplanting vegetablesetc when transplanting vegetables etc gives plants a good start). Use insmall amounts.

Compost used as part of a potting mix or as a topdressing around pottedplants should not contain worms as they tend to upset the functioning ofthe potting media.

You may simply add it to a commercial potting soil or incorporate it inyour own special mix.

KEEP COMPOST IN THE BACKYARD AND OUT OFTHE WASTE STREAM AND HAVE SOME FUN TOO!

For further information contact:

Marlborough District CouncilPO Box 443Blenheim 7240

Ph (03) 520 7400Fax (03) 520 7496E-mail mdc@marlborough.govt.nzWebsite: www.marlborough.govt.nz

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