Vermicomposting - Composting with Worms!

Vermicomposting is composting with worms. Very simple, really!
Earthworms to turn organic wastes into excellent quality compost. This is the best way of composting kitchen wastes. Small amounts of wet kitchen scraps are added to a large compost pile in the garden day by day can disrupt the decomposition process so that the compost is never really done. But it works just fine with vermicomposting.

Worm castings contain five times more nitrogen, seven times more phosphorus, and 11 times more potassium than ordinary soil, the main minerals needed for plant growthThe casts are also rich in humic acids, which condition the soil, have a perfect pH balance, and contain plant growth factors similar to those found in seaweed. What could be better for your garden?

In Canada, where snow covers our composter and we all make excuses as to why we are putting vegetable scraps in the landfil instead of the garden, you should know that vermicomposting cans be done year round, right in your kitchen, and without the smell!

Here's how:
Purchase a plastic storage tote from the hardware store. It is best to drill ¼-inch holes in the bottom, sides and top of the box, not just for drainage but for aeration.

The box should one square foot of surface area for each person in the household. e.g: A 2' x 2' x 2' box can take the food waste of four people.

Bedding materials can include shredded newspaper, corrugated cardboard, peat moss, and partially decomposed leaves. Worm boxes should be filled with bedding to provide the worms with a mixed diet as well as a damp and aerated place to live.
Tear newspaper or cardboard into strips before first. Bedding material should be moistened by in water for several minutes. Squeeze out excess water before adding it to your worm box.
Cover food waste with a few inches of bedding so flies won't becom a problem.

Red wigglers are the best for vermicomposting. They thrive on organic material such as yard waste and fruit and vegetable scraps.

Do feed them:

Coffee grounds or filters
Bread
Fruit and vegetable scraps
Small plant material
Tea leaves with bags

Do NOT feed them:

Bones
Milk and Dairy products
Fish
Greasy foods/Meat
Peanut butter
Pet/cat litter/feces
Vegetable oil/salad dressing

To Harvest castings, feed one end of the box for a week or more. Most worms will find their way to that side. Remove two-thirds of the worm castings from the opposite end and apply fresh bedding . Start burying food waste in the new bedding, and the worms will move back.

A couple of links to get you started! Have fun!!

http://www.vermiculture.ca/vermiculture_resources/vermiculture_resources_canada.htm

http://www.thewormfactory.net/

http://www.cathyscomposters.com/