Yes, it's been a while since my last vermiculture post—that’s a fancy word for worm composting; feel free to toss the word around from time to time—especially when those folks that can name every plant in Latin insist on casually correcting your pronunciation by slowly repeating it the “correct” way ;). Last compost post, I promised to set up a new worm bin at California Baby headquarters, but I bumped up against the blazing Southern California sun that beats down on our building, which is perfect for solar panels, but not so great for Red Wigglers. The hot sun not only dries them out, but creates an atmosphere so hot that they fry. Instead, I decided that, for now, the worm bin will live at my home until we can create a shady micro-climate for our slimy little friends.
Step One: Scout A Site.
Place your worm bin in a shady spot so they don't overheat and dry out. A north facing wall is ideal.
Step Two: Unpack and try to figure out the directions
Not a hard step but puzzling nonetheless. Even if one has done this before, the memory fades... What to do with the block of coir? And the shredded newspaper? Oh, soak it in water and break it into pieces. This is your 'base layer,' spread it evenly along the bottom of the 'base tray.' You will spread your worms on top of this layer--it ensures that they don't fall out the bottom.
I bought 2 lbs of Red Wiggler worms from Peaceful Valley Organic Farm Supply (Grow Organic). Note that when ordering the worms, they will ask you to specify a delivery date to ensure that you will be home to receive your handsome guests. Choose a date that you can unpack and set up your bin right away. Buy two pounds as this will get you started faster, no waiting for them to multiply, which is tempting but not worth the wait—especially if you have lots of greens that need ‘processing.’
Spread your greens on evenly on top of the worms. There is a ‘max’ line on the tray, fill to up there--don't be tempted to go over. If you don’t have enough greens or can't add them to the bin at the moment, you can collect them and then add at a later time; I like to keep mine in a bag in the fridge (husbands don’t like this, by the way). This 'method' gives you some breathing room so you can add your greens (later) at one time, cover with the top lid and forget about it.
You're done. I like to top with shredded newspaper to provide extra protection, keep in moisture, and to control fruit flies. Most national newspapers print with soy based inks and they can safely be composted. If you are using a local newspaper, check with them on their choice of inks before adding to your bin (be sure they are lead free). Worms love newspapers and cardboard (it adds bulk to their diet); shred or tear into strips first and add a nice fluffy layer to the top.
Go for it! Add a worm bin to your garden, you will be happy you did. You get free fertilizer. The worms are harmless. Your kids will love it, and you will be reducing your landfill contribution. My opinion is that if everyone simply composted their own organic matter instead of sending it to the landfill, we would be that much closer to sustainable living. I’m shooting for a total off-the-grid life—and hope to get there soon. Stay tuned!
My son's small collection of little ceramic Dutch Row houses; I am modeling my worn bin 'row' on this collection and hope to fill up my entire north wall with worm bins. Wouldn't it be great if the makers of worm bins designed them to look like these cute little houses? As I like to say, "Good design is free, bad design is expensive--and ugly :)"
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