Hope you enjoyed the presentation and will give vermicomposting a try! Here are some things to consider..
Getting started
1. Worm bin -- dark box with holes on top & sides
2. Bedding -- shredded paper and/or cardboard that has been soaked and wrung out to feel like a sponge)
3. A couple of handfuls of soil
4. Moisture (75% to 90%)
5. San Francisco weather – 55-77 degrees F -- AVOID freezing and extreme heat!
Adding worms to your bin
When bedding is ready, put the worms on top, and watch them disappear!
Feeding your worms
Redworms (also known as “red wigglers” or Eisenia foetida) eat the protozoan and fungi found on a variety of fruit and vegetable scraps, but start SLOWLY. DO NOT overfeed them. We’ve done this and it stinks (truly!).
Cover each core or peel with bedding to prevent fruit fly infestations. Include coffee grounds, tea bags, and egg shells in your worms’ home, and be aware that cruciferous vegetables may stink as they decompose
*DO NOT put meat, fat, dairy, carbs, or feces into the bin*
If you leave for more than 3 weeks, then ask a worm-loving friend to come and feed them once.
Harvesting castings
We’re still working on this, but would suggest moving food and bedding to one side of the bin to tempt the worms away from their comfort zone. Some people use a bright light to scare them off. Others don't feed them for a while, then add some
watermelon rind (their favorite food!). Do what works for you.
Resources online
If you need worms, please contact me. I can send you pricing and availability information. It's not like you need a ton to get started. Once you get them settled and happy, they will reproduce enough for you to share them with your friends and colleagues!
Excellent worm composting brochure reference
Even more information about worm composting
Fun lesson plans from NCSU Extension Service
Basic lesson for wee ones from Sioux Falls Sustainability Office
Getting started
1. Worm bin -- dark box with holes on top & sides
2. Bedding -- shredded paper and/or cardboard that has been soaked and wrung out to feel like a sponge)
3. A couple of handfuls of soil
4. Moisture (75% to 90%)
5. San Francisco weather – 55-77 degrees F -- AVOID freezing and extreme heat!
Adding worms to your bin
When bedding is ready, put the worms on top, and watch them disappear!
Feeding your worms
Redworms (also known as “red wigglers” or Eisenia foetida) eat the protozoan and fungi found on a variety of fruit and vegetable scraps, but start SLOWLY. DO NOT overfeed them. We’ve done this and it stinks (truly!).
Cover each core or peel with bedding to prevent fruit fly infestations. Include coffee grounds, tea bags, and egg shells in your worms’ home, and be aware that cruciferous vegetables may stink as they decompose
*DO NOT put meat, fat, dairy, carbs, or feces into the bin*
If you leave for more than 3 weeks, then ask a worm-loving friend to come and feed them once.
Harvesting castings
We’re still working on this, but would suggest moving food and bedding to one side of the bin to tempt the worms away from their comfort zone. Some people use a bright light to scare them off. Others don't feed them for a while, then add some
watermelon rind (their favorite food!). Do what works for you.
Resources online
If you need worms, please contact me. I can send you pricing and availability information. It's not like you need a ton to get started. Once you get them settled and happy, they will reproduce enough for you to share them with your friends and colleagues!
Excellent worm composting brochure reference
Even more information about worm composting
Fun lesson plans from NCSU Extension Service
Basic lesson for wee ones from Sioux Falls Sustainability Office