A worm farm is easy to set up, requires little maintenance and provides a great way to compost plant-based kitchen waste. All you need is a container and the right kind of worms.
Container
A plastic box with a lid that is set atop a tray works well for a worm farm. Drill small holes in the bottom for drainage and in the top half of each side for air circulation. Place a layer of small rocks or mesh in the bottom of the box and add bedding material made from dampened shredded newsprint, black and white only, until the box is ¼ full. Add the worms, some crushed eggshell and other kitchen scraps.
Worms
Red, Blue or Tiger composting worms must be used in a worm farm. Earthworms or night crawlers won’t work. Start with 500-1,000. They will reproduce to fill the available space.
Scraps
Worms compost any plant-based matter, with the exception of pineapple. Citrus fruits or acidic vegetables and grass clippings should be added sparingly. Crushed eggshells, coffee grounds or tea and grain based food scraps are all welcomed by worms. Avoid meat, dairy or fat. Worms can also compost shredded, dampened paper or cardboard.
Location
The farm can be kept in most any cool, dry place. For convenience, some people even keep it under the kitchen sink! Keep the farm moist but not wet at all times.
Harvest
When the farm is full of castings remove everything, separate out the worms and save the castings for fertiliser. Add new bedding, return the worms and begin anew!
Tags: Agriculture, Compost, composting, container, Fertilizer, Grass, harvest, worm farm, worms