Worm composting or vermicomposting is a simple and efficient process that involves the use of worms to recycle organic material such as kitchen waste into concentrated liquid fertilizer and nutrient-rich compost. This process is an easy and excellent alternative to the conventional composting method.
A Quick Word on Worm Composting
The worm composting process takes place in a worm’s body after it feeds on kitchen waste or other organic wastes. The waste becomes compost while in the worm’s body, and the resultant substance exiting the body is what is referred to as vermicompost.
The compost has many nutrients since kitchen waste contains nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits. This type of compost is suitable for growing plants. Worms have over the years been known for their critical role in breaking down organic material into nutrients, and this is the same concept that is applied in worm composting.
Apart from producing organic compost, worm composting reduces waste and in the process leaving the environment clean. Also, there is no resultant odor that is produced as a result of this process.
The three major ingredients in vermicomposting include: food waste, moistened bedding, and the necessary worms.
Bedding can be made from leaves and moistened shredded newspaper. This is an ideal environment for worms due to the availability of food and ample space for reproduction. Vermicomposting produces worm castings that are an effective soil conditioner for gardens, patio containers and house plants.
Types of Worms to Use for Composting
To come up with the best compost from worm composting, it’s important for you to select the best worms for the process. There are many commercial worms that one can select for the process, but there are some commercial worms that don’t make good composting worms.
Some of the most notable qualities you can look for when selecting composting worms include: ability to survive in captivity, faster reproduction rates, surface dwellers and good voracity. The following are some of the most suitable worms for composting:
Red Wigglers – These are some of the best composting worms recommended by experts. The worms are commonly used in most parts of the world because they possess necessary qualities required for effective composting. Red Wigglers have a faster reproduction rate in optimal conditions, survive in captivity and are known to be very voracious. This is the ideal worm for vermicomposting for those who want to make worm compost for the first time.
European Nightcrawlers – When compared to Red Wigglers, European Nightcrawlers appear to have a similar level of voracity. Voracity is an important requirement in vermicomposting, and that’s why this type of worms is also a good option. However, the European Nightcrawlers are not preferred by serious vermiculturists because of their high sensitivity to cold temperatures.
Red Worms – Red worms are easy to keep because they prefer compost environments. It’s always an added advantage to find worms that prefer a compost environment because they tend to speed up the vermicomposting process. These worms have the ability to produce richer worm casting because they like feeding on organic bedding, compost and vegetable waste. Red worms can always be found in organic environments such as under rotting logs and near compost pits.
Additional Things to Consider Regarding Composting Worms
There are quite some factors to consider when worm composting. If you’re a beginner, it can always be a challenge when it comes to maintaining the right conditions for vermicomposting.
Some of the things that you should avoid include: having too many worms in the worm bin, putting too much food in the bin, over watering the bedding, overfeeding the worms and exposing the worms to lower temperatures. Successful worm composting also require you to learn how worms procreate and the best ways to set up the composting bin.
The other common question is the required number of worms for worm composting. There is no need for you to worry because even 1000 worms are enough to begin worm composting. Red Wigglers only need four to six weeks to reach sexual maturity, and you don’t need many worms for effective composting.
The recommended ratio for worm composting is one pound of kitchen waste for every two pounds of worms. A maximum of four cubic feet of bedding is required for every pound of worms.
Our Composting Worms Reviews
#1 – Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm Red Wiggler Worms
These red wigglers help plants strengthen their root systems and improve their yields in addition to enriching the soil in the gardens.
These worms are hard workers and are known to be hardy and efficient. They also breed like rabbits, which means after your first order, you will get plenty of new workers for free.
#2 – BloomsnBuds Red Wiggler Worms
One other advantage to starting with a smaller order for a small space is that happy, healthy worms make great breeders. If you plan to expand your space fast, just note it may take up to three months for your first order to produce the next generation of worms.
#3 – Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm European Nightcrawlers Composting and Fishing Worms
These worms can break down larger items like uncut banana peels and big leaves and do most of the soil aeration on their own. They can also work through a larger area of compost more quickly and efficiently.
You can also take them fishing with you – nicknamed the “giant redworm,” they make for juicy fish bait.
#4 – Nature’s Little Recyclers Red Wigglers Compost Earthworms
These red wigglers also make their own fertilizer in the form of “worm castings,” which exit the worm and enrich the soil right away. And they make great organic treats for pet fish, reptiles, amphibians and other pets who enjoy worms. They are safe to feed to any pet since they have been sustainably raised.
These worms are also securely packaged in shipping. Even when shipped in very cold and hot temperatures, these hardy wigglers should arrive safe and sound.
