COMPOST worms

Article by Elize Malan

Worms known as red wrigglers digest kitchen scraps into fertile castings for use as fertiliser. They are capable of eating their own body weight in scraps every day.Specifically raised in containers for vermicomposting, the worms cannot survive in our soils. Our own indigenous earthworms prefer open soil and do not do well in captivity.

Containers, very fancy and quite expensive are offered for sale to accommodate the worms and create the special environment they require. These are useful for flat owners that only need worm tea/compost for pot plants. Various tutorials are available with directions to make your own in-expensive worm containers. Worms can be bought but often a neighbour or friend will be happy to share their red wrigglers as a population can be expected to double every three months.

Why would a homeowner consider composting with worm:

• In nature the recycling process breaks down and converts any once living material into the nutrient’s plants use. Leaves and grass clippings can take up to two years to decompose. A worm composter speeds up the process and within three months the compost is available.

• Less waste is generated to go to landfills and your household carbon footprint will decrease dramatically.

• Very little time, effort and money is needed to be successful.

• The worms do not smell and the containers take up little space. They want darkness, and function optimally at temperatures between 16°C and 28°C. During winter, the worms will digest less food and during heat wave conditions cooling the food scraps before adding to the bin will be beneficial.

Suitable scraps would be a variety of the following:

• Fruit scraps such as banana peels and apple cores.

• Vegetable peels such as pumpkin, carrot and sweet potato.

• Wilted leavy greens, crushed egg shells and even tomato can be added.

Unsuitable scraps:

• Cooked and baked food such as bread, meat and dairy products.

• The skins of citrus are treated with chemicals that will kill red wrigglers.

• Pineapple and Papaw contain meat tenderising enzymes and this will digest the worms.

Where to start:

• Website tutorials offer all the information needed.

• Have the containers assembled, bedding and food added before getting the worms.

Trouble shooting:

• Midges visible when you open the container could be due to excessive moisture and food. A fine dusting with Diatomaceous earth will not kill the worms, but will get rid of midges.

• Bad smell: Too much scraps were added or the scraps were very wet.

• Going on vacation: The worms can function up to a month without care. Moisture is essential and adding moist shredded cardboard to the bin before leaving, will solve the problem.

• Finding seeds, like pumpkin or tomatoes germinating in the container. Remove the small plants, use in the garden or add to compost heap.

• Composting process seem very slow:

Run the scraps and egg shells through your food processor to provide small pieces for the worms to digest.

Start your worm bin this spring and you could find it to be a very successful project for parents and kids alike.

References:

• The Worm Factory Ralph Rhoads

• https://www.planetnatural.com/wormcomposting/

• https://www.redwormcomposting.com/

• https://www.wormfarmingsecrets.com/ our work. Let us transform your Estate gardens into a sanctuary of natural beauty while preserving the planet for future generations. www.gardengroup.co.za

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