All About Vermi-Composting

ABOUT VERMICOMPOSTING
Vermicomposting is a natural, eco-friendly way to recycle organic waste using composting worms, like Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida). These hardworking worms break down food scraps and other biodegradable materials, transforming them into nutrient-rich worm castings—one of the best organic fertilizers for your garden!

WHAT TO FEED YOUR WORMS
When it comes to vermicomposting, providing a balanced diet for your worms is essential for their health and optimal composting efficiency. Here are some recommended food amendments for vermicomposting:

1. Fruit & Vegetable Scraps: This includes peels, cores, rinds, and scraps from a variety of fruits and vegetables. Worms particularly enjoy items like apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops, cucumber ends, and melon rinds.
   
   
2. Coffee Grounds & Tea Bags: Used coffee grounds and tea bags (without staples or labels) are great for worm bins. They add nitrogen and organic matter, and worms are attracted to the residual caffeine and tannins.
   
   
3. Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to the vermicompost and help regulate pH levels. Rinse eggshells thoroughly before adding them to the worm bin to remove any remaining egg white or yolk.
   
   
4. Shredded Paper & Cardboard: These materials serve as bedding for the worms and provide carbon for the composting process. Use plain, non-glossy paper and cardboard, and avoid colored or printed materials.
   
   
5. Plant Trimmings: Small clippings from healthy plants, flowers, and herbs can be added to the worm bin. Avoid adding diseased or pest-infested plant material to prevent the spread of pathogens.
   
   
6. Aged Manure: Well-aged animal manure, such as cow or horse manure, can be added in moderation to provide additional nutrients and organic matter. Ensure that the manure is fully composted and free of antibiotics or other harmful substances.
   
   
7. Pulverized Leaves: Shredded or pulverized leaves are an excellent source of carbon and help balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in the worm bin. Avoid using leaves treated with pesticides or herbicides.
   
   
8. Small Amounts of Grains or Pasta: Cooked grains, pasta, and bread in small quantities can be added occasionally as a source of carbohydrates. However, avoid adding large amounts of starchy foods, as they can attract pests and create odor issues.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Habitat: Provide a suitable habitat for your Red Wiggler Worms by using a well-ventilated worm bin or vermicomposting system. Ensure proper bedding material such as shredded newspaper or cardboard.
   
   
2. Feeding: Feed your worms a balanced diet of kitchen scraps, fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid feeding them dairy, meat, or oily foods.
   
   
3. Moisture: Maintain optimal moisture levels in the worm bin by regularly misting the bedding with water. Avoid over watering to prevent drowning the worms.
   
   
4. Temperature: Keep the worm bin in a moderate temperature range of 55°F to 77°F (13°C to 25°C). Protect the worms from extreme heat or cold to ensure their well-being.
   

Check out our YouTube playlist with tons of information including how to DIY set up your worm bins, how to prevent pests, and other key tips and tricks.