WORM FARMING

Vermicomposting, A Simple Overview
by Renee Barefoot

Here at Barefoot Rabbitry and Worm Farm, we have been vermicomposting for 30
years. Twenty of those years we never knew that there was an exact name for
it. We do know, as my grandparents knew, that vermicomposting and
composting produce superior quality plants and vegetables.

For those of you who don't know what vermicomposting is, don't feel bad --- 
a lot of people don't.  Vermicomposting is simply composting with worms.  It
is a very rewarding feeling knowing that you have done a part to help the
earths growing waste problems.  Vermiculture is not a total solution to
waste reduction, but, as more people become aware of the worms' mighty
composting power, the earth will be a cleaner, greener place to live.

Something so worthwhile is very simple to do.  The first thing that needs to
be decided on is what kind of container to use, what size and where to keep
it.  Many people start out with 10-gallon plastic containers.  They are kept
in kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, basements and any place where there is
easy access to.

The easiest material needed is the organic waste, which all of us have
plenty of.  There will be a need for organic bedding material.  This can be
peat moss, leaves, grass clippings, shredded newspaper, etc.  Whatever you
use, it needs to be 100% organic.  Don't fill the bin up; keep it at ½ to
3/4 full.  Waste will be gradually added to the bin and there needs to be
room to aerate the bedding.  The bedding needs to be moist and turned every
day for at least one week before introducing any worms or waste into it.
This will ensure an even dampness and the bedding will have gone through a
heat stage if the material used was green when put into the bin.

Next comes the fun part --- digging or purchasing the worms (source
provided at the end of this article).  The best worm for the job is the
Eisenia foetida, commonly known as the Red Worm.  A good way to tell how
many worms to start with is to weigh your food waste for a couple of days
and excluding any and all meats, fried foods and dairy products.  You will
need 2 lbs. Of worms for every pound of food waste.  For example, if there
is a food waste of one lb. per day, then there is a need of 2 lbs. of worms
or approximately 2,000 worms to start with.

The worms will need a few days to adjust to their new home, so don't become
alarmed if they seem not to be eating.  Wait about two days after
introducing the worms to the fin to feed them.  Be sure to completely bury
the food wast in a new location every time.  Keep the bedding moist, but not
soggy.  Do not overload the bin with food waste.  Either of these will
create a foul smell and attract rodents, flies and other insects.

 The PH level needs to be kept at around 7 or neutral.  To achieve this,
apply about one quart of domestic lime to a 10-gallon bin.  Mix thoroughly
and keep it moist.  Do this once a month and there should be no problems
unless the bins becomes overloaded with waste.  The lime will not, in any
way, hurt the worms.  Worms prefer darkness and any light to them is like a
sunburn to us.  Laying a few layers of newspaper on top of the bedding will
achieve enough darkness to keep the worms happy and composting.

As the worms multiply, they can be used to create new vermicompost bins.
Larger, outside beds work on the same concept as the smaller ones.  If there
is no desire to create new beds, why not share your new worms with a
neighbor and teach someone else the art of vermicomposting?

Every 6 months, the worms will need to be removed from the old bedding and
started back in fresh bedding.  This used up bedding is called "castings."
Castings are very dark and rich in nutrients and make a wonderful organic
fertilizer for all types of flowers and vegetables.

Even if there is an abundance of worms, they will live in flower beds,
potted plants, gardens, pastures, lawns, etc., provided that all is organic.
During extreme hot or cold weather, the worm will burrow down into the
ground until it is comfortable.  Here is a tip: you know the worms are happy
if they don't leave!

These are the basics to vermicomposting.  We hope you enjoyed it; any
questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Happy vermicomposting!

Barefoot Rabbitry and Worm Farm
Att.: Renee Barefoot
570 Mamie Rd.
Bensen, N.C.  27504
(919) 894-3990

barefoots@usa.net