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Worm-Composting-Scraps
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You need a few basic supplies to get started consisting of bedding for the worms. They love shredded newspaper or you can use shredded computer paper.
The bedding is put into a worm-bin or large container.
Storage containers can be made from wood, but plastic
containers are especially good.
Remember to replace the bedding in your worm-bin.
The worms eat and digest this too.
To avoid odors, keep your system no deeper than a foot
and a half, and 2 feet in width.
Air circulation underneath is important.
There will be some liquid that forms and needs to
drain. Drainage is a must as is air circulation
so drill a few holes in the bottom of your container.
Your worm-bin should be elevated at least a few inches
from the floor. Place a tray underneath to catch the
liquid. The liquid is a wonderful tea for your flowers.
Place some redworms over the bedding and they will start to burrow. Once you place kitchen scraps on top, the worms will make their way back up to the top to feed on them.
Nutrient-Rich Worm-Composting-Scraps
Coffee Pot grounds, egg shells, vegetable cuttings
and peelings, peel from fruits, and tea-bags are
are great for your worm-bin.
If you put in meat or fat, make sure it's only a tiny
amount. People disagree on whether or not these items
should be added or not. If you are unsure, just don't.
Worm castings come from the scraps digested by the worms.
As the castings begin to appear, they can be gathered
and mixed in with your flower garden, vegetable garden
and your potted plants.
Vermicompost-Tips
Keep the lid partially open on plastic containers
Keep a cover on an outdoor container
Remember to fertilize with the liquid drippings
Add your kitchen scraps a bit at a time
Less fruit, more vegetables
Stop adding for awhile if a smell develops
Do not add soil or manure
Don't let temperature fall below freezing
Don't let temperature get much over 70 degrees F.
Worms are sensitive to light. Keep bin in a
dark area.
Do not add insecticides, they will kill the worms.
Put traps around your container for fruit flies and
ants.
Enjoy the world of vermiculture, and you are sure to
get help if you need it from staff at any Nursery or
Garden Centre.
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