We have mentioned Vermicompost many times before because we stand behind this process and how it can change your lawn and garden’s health. We believe in it so much that we have become an authorized dealer. You are welcome to pick some up at our office or we can ship it to you, check out Terra One Organics for more information.
But if you really want to try something new, you can start up your very own worm factory! Your ‘pet’ worms are very low maintenance and your garden will thank you by producing beautiful, lush vegetables, plants, and flowers all summer long. Check out the steps below and get started! You will be extremely happy with the results.
Worm Factory – First, purchase one pound of Red Wigglers from a reputable source and a worm factory. Worm Factory 360 is a great brand. There are many how-to videos on YouTube that helped me in the beginning. Select a location in your home for your new worm home (you can’t leave them outside if you live in a climate that will get below freezing). Our worm house is located in our basement.
 Red Wigglers (pets!) |
 Worm Factory 360 |
Food – Next, you need to create a moist, comfortable environment where they can eat and produce. Shredded newspaper will provide air, water, and food for the worms. Avoid using colored print, which may be toxic to the worms. Mix in shredded kitchen waste (vegetables) for a food source for them. By adding coffee grounds with the food scraps will help eliminate odor.
 Vegetable scraps and coffee grounds |
 All the scraps blended together for the perfect environment. |
Moisture – Make sure when you add the shredded newspaper to spray it down with water to keep their home moist. A moisture tester is helpful to know exactly it’s it too wet or dry.
Newspaper and water
Extra Nutrients – Worms are very low maintenance. They can go up to 3 weeks without food. I usually feed them once a week. I also like to sprinkle a spoonful of ground up eggshells with their food. This serves a dual purpose. Crushed shells from eggs can help neutralize the pH level of the bedding and it is said that calcium plays an important roll in worm reproduction. Sometimes they eat better than me!
Incorporating ground egg shells
Harvest Time – The factory works as a set of trays (layers), when the top feeding trays fill up add a layer to the factory. Continue the process as listed above and your worms will migrate to this new layer (tray) this will take a few weeks so be patient. Harvest your compost from the bottom tray and add to your garden! Most importantly, learn about the soil microbiome: healthy soil = healthy plants = healthy people. Have fun and enjoy!
Final product, rich dark vermicompost!
