Yes the star of the show, compost worms. We will discuss which ones and their basic needs. You will find more information in the Composting Worms page as well.
Worm bins can be made of, and from, many different things. Bins can be created to fit a particular space, or sized to fit your organic composting needs.
The "browns" in your worm bin. Bedding can be purchased or recycled paper products. Bedding is an important part as it will eventually become castings as well.
The star of the show
In North American there are about 5 different species of compost worms. “Red Worms” is a common term and can refer to the most common worm, Eisenia Foetida. Each of the 5 varieties have unique features and benefits. However they all like to co habitat, which is why it is often hard to find as a single species in our composting environment. Unlike other earthworms, whom you may find when digging in your garden, or see crawling across your lawn after a rainfall, these varieties of compost worms thrive in rotting vegetation and compost, and are considered surface or shallow dwellers.
Worms are usually sold by the pound and the amount you need depends on how much organics your going to compost. To help you decided trying saving your organics for a week and see how much you have. Compost worms can consume about 1/2 their body weight a day. For a about 2 pounds of organics you will need about 1 pound of worms.
Build new, upcycle or buy..
The worm bin is where you will keep your compost worms. Worm bins can be made from many different materials and endless shapes and sizes. You can construct a new worm bin to fit in that perfect space, or find a new use for an old dresser drawer. There are just a few requirements for a worm bin. 1. It must be able to keep the bedding moist. 2. Made from material that won’t leach harmful toxins into the bin (like treated wood). 3. Should have about one square foot of surface space per pound of worms.
There are 2 types of worm bins, a box system, or a flow through system. Each types has its advantages. Box systems require more hands on involvement to harvest the casting. Box bins can be easily constructed using simple tools and materials. Flow through systems are stacked bins that allow the worms to move upwards to follow the organics. As the worms move upwards the casting are left behind. Flow through systems required less effort to harvest your castings.
Most bins, boxes or flow through, are either built with wood, or plastic. These can be constructed to fit a specific space, or be upcycled or purchased.
Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages.
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Oh the choices!
Shredded paper and newsprint is easy and free! Use a paper shredder, scissors or just rip into small pieces. Use only printed paper, no glossy materials. newsprint and paper is best combined with cardboard or coire.
Cardboard is great for bedding. It does not compact and can be found everywhere for price of collecting it! No highly colored cereal boxes though. Can be used on its own or added to other bedding to ensure lots of air flow..
One of few bedding you can purchase. Coire is shredded coconut husks and are the renewable and better choice over peat. Coire is great because it does not compact and can be used in combination with other bedding.