Vermicomposting 101

Create and maintain a worm composting system in your home.

By: Tavvik TeachesSeedy Saturday, 2011

Why Vermicompost? Increases soil fertility Encourages better root & plant growth Increases organic matter Improves soil structure Increases resistance to erosion, runoff

and compaction Increases disease resistance in plants Promotes less vulnerability to pests and

disease, in turn reducing pesticide use Increases soil diversity

Setting up your Compost Bin

You DO NOT need to purchase a fancy worm composter! Find a suitable bin around your home, like an old Rubbermaid container, or large bin with a lid.Do not use a bucket....they need room to spread out not up!

Drill holes in the lid of your bucket to allow air to circulate. If possible, drill a few in the bottom as well for drainage.

Create and Mix your Bedding

Materials Needed:

Cardboard ripped into small piecesShredded small squares of newspaperCoir is also a great material for bedding and is much more sustainable than peat.

Add Brown Waste

Don’t get rid of all of your brown bags of leaves next year! It’s wonderful compost to add to your soil in the spring, and it’s a great addition to your vermicompost bin.

Mix it Up & Get it Wet!

Using a clean spray bottle filled with water, spray your bedding while mixing it thoroughly. It should be damp and not too wet. The consistency of the bedding should be like a wrung out sponge.

Add your Worms

Add your worms to one side of the bin.

Spread them out so they have plenty of room to move about.

Feed your Worms

Add organic waste to your bin.

Ideally, start a separate compost bin from your municipal bin with just worm friendly food. Worms love partially decomposed waste and you will get faster results this way.

Cover your Worms

Cover the worms with more shredded newspaper that has been sprayed with water. Place the lid on the bin and keep in a cool place.Check your bedding and cover daily to be sure it doesn’t dry out.

Feeding Your WormsWorms Like.....

clean, crushed egg shells

coffee grounds fruit peelings houseplant clippings

(that have not been sprayed with insecticide)

tea bags vegetable peelings

Worms Don’t Like....

dairy products diseased/infected

plants meat scraps oil or oily foods starches

Vermicomposting Resources

http://www.wormcomposting.ca/- I’ve purchased my worms from this site in the past. They’re very hands on and very concerned with the welfare of their worms. They will answer any questions you have either by email or by phone.

http://www.vermico.com/- This site should answer any questions you have. It’s very informative especially if you are interested in starting a vermicomposting business.

http://www.cathyscomposters.com/- A local business (Bradford), that will answer all of your questions and sells all of the products you need.

http://www.niagararecycling.org/pages/compost.html- a brief but informative start-up guide.

Vermicomposting.....It’s So Easy!

Even kids can do it!

Eco-Educational Programming for all

ages