Santa Barbara, CA
It’s a garbage disposal that gives back—literally. Worm composting—technically vermicomposting—is a system for turning your food waste into rich, usable soil for use in your garden... all with the help of worms.
You simply bury your excess kitchen waste in the worm bin, and the worms get to work on turning it into soil. Technically it is the worm casts—what worms excrete—that you want....worm casts are full of rich micro-nutrients for your plants.
Make a Difference:
Worm composting lets you reduce the waste you put on the street for collection every week. Worm composting is the only way to recycle at your home. The worms turn your food waste into your plant food you use in your garden. One thousand worms eat about a pound of garbage every four days. How many pounds of garbage can you save from going in the landfill each year by composting? Check out more Worm Composting Facts!
Where to Start:
You can gather all the materials you need from your local hardware store (make sure it is locally owned) buy worms from a local vendor and start your prep. I chose an easier route. I purchased a redwood bin from Island Seed and Feed, in Santa Barbara. The worm bin came with all the ingredients I needed to get started: two types of compost and 1lb of red wriggler worms packed in straw.
Brant, at Island Seed and Feed, made it easy for me, because it is easy.
Gather supplies:
A container
I chose a pre-made box (recycled redwood)
You can also order bins online, or make your own.
Bedding
Shredded newspaper on the bottom of your bin
Redworms (Eisenia fetida)
Buy at your local garden supply store or order online
Collect and bury kitchen scraps in the bin
Make sure you rotate the placement of the scraps.
Not sure what to put in your bin check here for the
definitive list:
Wait for the process to take place
It’ll take about six months before you will have
compost—or worm castings—to use in your garden.
Harvest.
