It rained pretty heavily here in Champaign, Illinois. And you know what that means: worms! Worms covered every sidewalk and ground surface. I was able to collect 60 worms with the intention of adding them to my compost bin.
According to composting101.com, worm composting, also known as vermiculture, turns food and yard waste into an organic and rich soil, which you can use to help your lawn, your flowers or your vegetable garden. Vermiculture typically utilizes red worms — Eisenia foetida (also known as red wigglers, brandling or manure worms) or Lumbricus rubellus (manure worm). Some vermiculture experts recommend one pound of worms for every one pound of garbage.
There are certain things one needs for successful vermiculture endeavors- a vermiculture bin, wet shredded newspaper, a 55 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit environment and soil. Feed them fruit scraps, vegetable peels, tea bags and coffee grounds. It’s best to feed them only once a week in small amounts. You can harvest anywhere form two and a half months to every six months.
For more information on vermiculture, visit http://www.composting101.com/worm-composting.html.
Stay tuned for my vermiculture update and photos!
Stephanie S.