| Getting Started The
Composting Container
You can use either a wood or plastic container. Wood is
best because of its superior insulation and it is more absorbent, but
never use treated wood, cedar, pine or redwood. The compost can sometimes get too wet in plastic
containers. Base the container size on the amount of waste you will be placing
in your composting bin. You need approximately one square foot for each pound of waste.
- Drill 10- 14 holes (1/4 to 1/2 wide) in the bottom of
the container to provide aeration and allow drainage.
- Elevate the container by setting it on bricks or
blocks.
- Place a tray under the container to save any liquid
that drains out - this liquid makes a great plant fertilizer!
- Cover the container to keep the compost moist and the
bin dark. If the container is outdoors use a secure cover to keep out any
unwanted creatures, but make sure that there is plenty of ventilation in the
box.
Red Wiggler Worm Bedding
Wigglers must have a moist bedding at all times. Remember
to moisten the bedding materials "before" you add them to the composting bin.
They should have about the same moisture level as a squeezed sponge.
- Good bedding materials include: shredded dry leaves(
maple are one of the best), shredded newspapers ( no glossy inserts), cardboard, straw, sawdust,
and aged (never fresh) manure.
- It's best to use a mixture of varied bedding
materials.
- A cup or two of sand or soil provides grit that aids in
worm digestion.
- When finished the composting bin should be about 3/4 full
of moist bedding.
Feeding
- Egg shells, all fruits and vegetables, tea and coffee
grounds (no espresso - it's too acidic) make great food.
- Do not feed meat and dairy products, fatty or oily
foods, and grains.
- Bury the food "within" the bedding to reduce any
smelly problems.
Where to Put the Bin
Composting can be done year round indoors ,and outside
during the warmer months. Indoor basements are great warm and dark locations for a worm home, but any space with temperatures between 50-80
degrees F is OK. Outdoor bins should be kept in the shade and
protected from heavy rain. When temperatures drop below 40 degrees F, bins need to be moved inside.
Keeping the Worms Happy
They are easy to care for! Just keep them moist and
dark, add food, and wait 2-3 months. When you see that the bedding is almost
gone and has turned into rich brown castings it's time to collect your
compost and provide fresh bedding.
Don't wait too long! Your worms need to be separated from
the finished compost and given new bedding - or they could "die". Push all
the finished compost to one side of the container. Add the new moist
bedding on the other side with some fresh food waste. Once the worms have moved
to the new side- you can safely remove your fresh compost.
Or if you feel like getting close and personal with your
worms you can separate them from the compost by hand ( wear surgical
gloves to protect them) and then place them in
their fresh bedding.
Smells, Wandering Worms and Flies
If your bin is putting off a nasty odor it is
probably low on oxygen. Lack of oxygen can be caused by adding too much food at
one time. Don't add new food until the worms have broken down what is already
there. And make sure the container drainage holes are not blocked up and causing
the bedding to be too moist.
If your worms don't like their home they may crawl out. If
the moisture level seems fine but they are still taking to the hills, you may be
adding too much salt or citrus- acidic foods. Reduce citrus and when possible
keep out the salt. Adding a little lime to the bedding will reduce its acidity. Warning - Use only limestone and never hydrated lime. The wrong kind of
lime can kill your redworms! If you have a pH meter, the bedding pH should be
close to 7- a neutral pH.
Keep the fruit flies away by always burying your food
wastes in the compost - don't just place it on top. AND make sure to keep your
bins covered. More about pests
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