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In its simplest terms, vermicomposting is composting with worms. Earthworm's speed up the process of composting, aerates the food waste inside the bin, and enriches the finished compost with micro nutrients and enzymes.

Is there a specific worm to use?

Yes, red worms, also known by the moniker red wrigglers, are the best worms for the job. These worms are found and thrive in piles of leaves, compost bins, horse and cow manure. Native to Europe, red wrigglers have become ingrained throughout the United States. The presence of worms is solid indicator of fertile earth ideal for all types of gardening.

These worms are effective at breaking down organic material. It is said the worms can eat, digest and expel their own body-weight each day. That being said, a small sized worm bin can yield pounds of rich organic fertilizer, known as worm casting, vermicast, earthworm manure or worm poop.

How long does vermicomposting take?

In two - three months the finished compost can be harvested. The casting can immediately be applied to your garden or used in container plants.

Red worms multiply rapidly:

It needs about 21 days for fertilized eggs to mature. Each egg can hatch two or more baby worms. 90 days after hatching, the worms become sexually mature and begin to reproduce. Before long, you can have so many worms you'll be giving them away to friends and family.

What bedding should you use?

There are many choices and multiple opinions available. Here is a shortlist of bedding to include in your worm bin. Corrugated cardboard, shredded newspaper, peat moss, rotting leaves, rabbit and horse manure make good bedding materials. This material must be kept wet, not soggy all the time. A dry worm bin will kill your worms. It is also helpful to throw in a handful of dirt. Worms don't have teeth so dirt helps them break down their meals.

What should you feed the worms?

Red wrigglers will eat just about any kitchen waste. Here is a partial list. Tomato, banana, cantaloupe, lettuce, cabbage, coffee grounds and filter, tea bags, eggs including shells and watermelon make good meals for red worms. Do not put dairy or meat products inside the bin. Why? One reason is it will attract rats, mice and other critters.

2 methods of Harvesting worm poop:

First, you can dump the contents of the bin on a table or plastic sheet. Once they are on top of this sheet, separate the worms placing them in a fresh worm bin. All that will remain are the worm castings.

Second, start by placing food to one side of the bin. The worms will move to that side to feed. After a few weeks, scoop out the side with no food (worm castings) and add fresh bedding. You now have received a crash course in vermicomposting. Give the methods a try to watch you plants, veggies and flowers look the best they ever have.

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