Tue 20 Jul 93 16:43 By: Tom Ezell Re: Worm Composting How to Create Vermicompost To create your own vermicompost system you must hove the proper container, bedding, type of worm, and organic waste. The following instructions will give you some guidelines for the production of a vermicompost system, 1.) Containers. Make sure homemade containers have not been made from pressure treated wood and have never stored any kind of chemicals. Exterior grade plywood is probably best for durability. Aeration holes should be placed on the sides of the box, and a lid of some sort should be used to keep insects and animals out of the bin. The average 1-foot high, 2-feet deep and 3-feet wide (1'h x 2'd x 3'w) box will handle about 6 lbs. of garbage per week. 2.) Bedding. Cellulose-based bedding is recommended because it provides moisture retention and aeration. As the worms search for food they tunnel through and consume bedding, replacing it with worm castings. The perfect bedding mixture for the bin size above is 10 lbs. of shredded newspaper, a gallon of garden soil, and 4 gallons of water (which makes this environment about 75% moisture). 3.) Type of Worm. The required worm for vermicompost is the redworm (also known as red wigglers or manure worms). These worms ore ideal for composting because they are able to consume the equivalent of their own weight each day, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, and reproduce well in the environment provided for them in a vermicompost bin. For the bin dimensions and amount of bedding described above, the recommended number of worms to start with is opproximately 1,200 to 2,400 (2 lbs) redworms. 4.) Food Supply. The redworm will consume almost all normal kitchen scraps. However it is important to avoid putting meat scraps, bones, and dairy products in the bin as they could produce strong odors and attract animals. When just beginning your vermicompost practices, it is suggested that you start off slowly, giving the worms between 2 or 3 lbs. of garbage per week. 5.) Location of Bin. Worm bins should be located where access to them is convenient and temperatures are relatively moderate. Bins may be placed in basements. patios, porches, utility rooms, or even kitchens. Information Sources for Vermicomposting: Appelhof, Mary. 'Worms do the Work', Organic Gardening. January 1992, pp. 58-63, Appelhof, Mary, _ Worms in My Garbage_ , Flower Press, 1982. Robert Kourik, "As the Worm Turns", _Garbage_, January-February 1992, pp. 48-51 Ordering Information for Vermicompost Systems and Supplies Flowerfield Enterprises 10332 Shaver Rood Kalamazoo, Ml 49002 (616) 327-0108 Smith and Hawken 25 Corte Modera Mill Volley, CA 94941 (410) 383-2000 Gardeners Supply Co. 128 lntervale Rood Burlington VT 05401 (800) 955-3370 * SLMR 2.1a * Math and Alcohol don't mix. Please don't drink & derive. * Origin: Environment Arkansas! Little Rock 501-570-2868 (1:3821/16) Article 47251 of rec.gardens: Path: bigblue.oit.unc.edu!concert!gatech!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!hookup!news.kei.com!yeshua.marcam.com!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!olivea!uunet!nntp.sita.int!sunshine.ps.atl.sita.int!jenab From: jenab@sunshine.ps.atl.sita.int (Jena B) Newsgroups: rec.gardens Subject: Vermicomposting Date: 3 Nov 1994 19:34:25 GMT Organization: SITA Lines: 19 Message-ID: <39be01$mt6@ash.es.atl.sita.int> NNTP-Posting-Host: sunshine.es.atl.sita.int X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1] Hello all, I was the lucky MG chosen to become the 'worm expert' in the Atlanta area. I have already printed two post from a week or two ago, and have even started a little 'worm box'. Now, I would really appreciate any help, comments, funny stories, success stories, etc. that any of you would be willing to share with me. I will have to compile all information into a pamplet for the extension service, and will give credit where credit is due. I am also scheduled to speak at our Gwinnett County Master Gardners meeting in March '95. And some schools have expressed an interest in having me come and speak about vermicomposting, and perhaps getting the children started on their own project. (won't their parents love that!) Thanks in advance! Post it here, or e-mail me and I will keep everyone up to date on the progress. -- Jena Buttimer jenab@es.atl.sita.int