Vermicompost

 Making vermicompost (worm composting) is a fantastic way to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich "black gold" for your garden. 

Unlike traditional composting, worms do the heavy lifting, making the process faster and suitable for small spaces or even indoors.   

Here is a step-by-step guide to getting started.

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1. Choose Your Worms

You cannot use regular earthworms from the garden; they need to tunnel deep into the soil to survive. For a compost bin, you need Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida). They live near the surface, eat quickly, and thrive in the crowded environment of a bin.

2. Set Up the Bin

You can buy a multi-level worm factory or make your own using a plastic storage tote (approx. 10–20 gallons).

• Ventilation: Drill small holes (1/8 inch) near the top of the sides for airflow.

• Drainage: Drill a few holes in the bottom and place a tray underneath to catch any excess liquid (leachate).

• Location: Keep the bin in a cool, dark place (55°F to 75°F or 13°C to 24°C).

3. Prepare the Bedding

Bedding holds moisture and gives the worms a place to live.

• Materials: Shredded brown cardboard, shredded newspaper (no glossy inserts), or coconut coir.

• Moisture: Soak the bedding in water and wring it out. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge—damp but not dripping.

• Setup: Fill the bin about 6–8 inches deep with the damp bedding and toss in a handful of garden soil to provide "grit" for the worms' digestion.

4. Feeding Your Worms

Add your worms to the top of the bedding; they will naturally tunnel down to avoid light. Wait a day or two before the first feeding.

Feed Them (Greens)	Avoid These
Fruit & vegetable scraps	Meat, bones, or dairy
Coffee grounds & filters	Oily or salty foods
Crushed eggshells	High amounts of citrus/onions
Teabags (remove staples)	Pet waste

Pro Tip: Always bury the food under a few inches of bedding to prevent fruit flies and odors.

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5. Maintenance and Harvesting

• Don't Overfeed: Only add more food once the previous batch is mostly gone.

• Check Moisture: If it’s too wet, add dry shredded paper. If it’s too dry, mist it with a spray bottle.

• Harvesting: After 3–6 months, the bedding will look like dark, rich soil. Move the finished compost to one side and put fresh bedding/food on the other; the worms will migrate to the new food, allowing you to scoop out the finished compost.