Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is a very rewarding and beneficial side hobby to organic gardening. Vermicomposting utilizes red wriggler worms to break down organic materials into usable plant fertilizer. Bacteria in the gut of red worms feed off of fungi which in turn feed off of organic material. Hence, the worm is composting organics indirectly and its gut is used as a pathway for the breakdown of nutrients. Vermicomposting is an environmentally friendly way of recycling paper, cardboard, and kitchen scraps. Scientific studies have shown that vermicompost is higher in usable nutrients than compost made in the typical composting method (hot composting.)
Vermicomposting requires very few supplies and is one of the easiest and rewarding hobbies you can practice. All that is required for supplies are: a plastic or wood bin (preferably 12 inches or deeper), 1 lb. or more or red worms (approximately 1000 worms/lb.), shredded newspaper, kitchen scraps, and sand or cornmeal if the bin is new. The sand or cornmeal helps the worms move the material through their guts easier. This hobby costs about $50 to get started which includes the worms and the bin.
There are a few problems that you may encounter when vermicomposting that I will discuss. If the worm bin smells rancid it means that you have added too much water, too much green material (brown to green ratio should be 30:1) or there is not enough oxygen getting into the organic material. If you dont add enough water the worms will dry up and die. If the bin isnt getting enough oxygen you must fluff up the material and/or drill more 1/4 inch holes in the bottom and sides of the worm bin. Always err on the side of less food for the worms as they will not starve to death but you may suffocate them by adding too much kitchen scraps. Also, avoid meat, eggs, dairy, grease or fat, and anything whose p.h. is not close to nuetral (no citrus, garlic, tomatoes, apples, etc.) Always bury food scraps (greens) under the surface to dissuade flies from crawling into the bin and laying eggs. For information on how to make this valuble resource please visit http://www.compostingforprofit.com