Woo's Worms
General Composting
Maintenance
Composting does not require a lot of maintenance, but your results will improve if you follow some basic rules. These rules basically apply to open and contained composting methods. Maintaining a proper moisture level is very important. Open composting areas obviously are at the mercy of the weather, and at times will get a little too wet, but during dry periods water should be added. If your compost material dries out completely, the microorganisms and bacteria critical to the process will die. A sheltered location that drains properly is important. Adding materials in both the carbon and nitrogen categories will make for better results. A carbon to nitrogen ratio of 30:1 is ideal, but there is no need to get too scientific. If you would like more details click here. This means both brown (leaves and woodchips) and green (grass, seaweed, and weeds) waste. Any organic kitchen waste such as vegetables, fruits, spaghetti, bread, coffee grounds, filters, teabags, and egg shells and cartons are valuable additions. Burying such food is advisable to avoid attracting pesky animals. No meat, oils, or bones should be included with kitchen waste. Pet waste should not be included, but non meat eating animal waste such as horses, sheep, goats, and chickens is a valuable addition. Shredded plain newspaper and cardboard breakdown well and are enjoyed by the worms. Ashes from the fireplace are acceptable in reasonable amounts. Another very important element to consider is that your compost gets an adequate amount of air. The micoorganisms and bacteria involved in the decompostion process require oxygen just like you and I do. If your piles get too large, the air will not naturally penetrate the material. For this reason a periodic turning of the material is beneficial. Also the removal of composted material for use in your gardens will help in this regard. The presence of worms in a compost pile is a very good sign. They greatly speed up the decompostion process and make for a better compost since their excrement is the best of all fertilizers. If your compost pile does not have many worms adding some red wigglers is advisable. As long as they have a proper environment with food and moisture they will thrive and multiply transforming your pile into a rich compost. They have the ability of removing bad things that might get into your compost pile. A compost pile that heats up will decompose a little quicker. A little heat can help the red wiggler survive through a winter of freezing temperature, but a pile that gets too hot can kill or cause you worms to leave the area. Maintaining an area in the pile which does not get hot will be a refuge for the worms to go to if things heat up too much. Large quantities of grass clippings in particular tend to get very hot at times. By spreading out the materials and turning it over you can control the heat somewhat. Keep in mind that smaller pieces compost quicker and are better food for the worms. However, a few sticks in your compost will help with the aeration process. Having a separate compost area for very large items such as sticks, brush, and wood is a good idea since these require years to breakdown and make removal of compost from a pile more difficult. Some people have had very good success layering their compost piles with manure, soil, seaweed, woodchip, leaves, and other organic material. Experiment and see what works for you.
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How to use worm castings?
- Mix with potting soil when potting plants
- Mix with water to make Worm Compost Tea (See information at the right.)
- Put a handful in the hole when planting outside.
- Mix with soil when setting up a new raised bed garden
- Put a layer on the top of the soil before planting shallots, onions, or garlic.
- Put tablespoon in hole when planting bulbs.
- Top dress potted plants or garden plants about every six weeks.
- Put some on your lawn when reseeding
- Remember you can't burn your plants no matter how much you use.
- Use Vermicompost instead of those harsh chemicals. Keep our earth green.
Go to Vermicomposting experiments to see results of using this compost.
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