Wormeries: Turn Kitchen Scraps into Nutrient-Rich Garden Gold

You know, we all have those kitchen scraps that seem to pile up. It always feels a bit wasteful to just toss them in the trash, doesn’t it? I remember when I first started composting, it took months to get that rich, usable soil.

But then I discovered wormeries, and it was like a whole new world opened up! It’s such a simple and effective way to turn those scraps into something truly beneficial for our gardens and houseplants.

Wormeries: Turning Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold (and Finding the Right Worms!)

So, what exactly is a wormery? Well, it’s basically a compost bin, but smaller and designed specifically for worms. Think of it as a cozy home for your little composting helpers. You can use a simple box or a tower of bins, but the idea is the same: to create a space where worms can break down your kitchen scraps quickly and efficiently.

What Are The Best Worms For Wormeries?

Now, let’s talk worms! Because not just any worm will do. The best worm species when it comes to worm composting would be your typical nightcrawlers and red wiggler worms. But if you’re looking for the best worm type to help you well with the decomposition of your organic debris, then turn to the king of all wormery worms – the Red Wigglers. They truly are the stars of the show!

But other than these earth miracle workers, there are other compost worms that work well in the composting scenario. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Epigeic Worms: These are your topsoil dwellers, perfect for vermicomposting. Think Eisenia Fetida. They love organic scraps and adapt well to worm bins.
• The Blue Worm: Also known as the India blue worm or Perionyx Excavatus, these tropical worms thrive in warmer temperatures (70-80°F) and mature quickly.
• The African Nightcrawler: These tropical worms, or Eudrilus Eugeniae, can handle higher temperatures with enough moisture, but they don’t like it too cold.
• The Alabama or Georgia Jumper: Amynthas Gracilis, these large worms are great for tropical and subtropical composting, though they prefer moderate temperatures.
• The Red Wiggler Worm: (Eisenia Fetida) These are the champions! They can eat half their weight daily, break down scraps efficiently, and reproduce quickly. They’re perfect for any wormery.

For starting out, I highly recommend Red Wigglers. They’re just so efficient and easy to work with.

Get Started With Your Wormery

To get started, you’ll need a container about 1 ½ feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Punch some holes in it for air, and then layer damp shredded newspaper, a bit of soil or compost, and your kitchen scraps. Vegetables, fruits, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags – all those things work great. Just avoid meat, fat, and dairy. And remember to chop everything into small pieces and crush those eggshells.

Now, the real magic happens when you add the worms. They’ll happily munch away on your scraps, turning them into nutrient-rich compost. Just keep adding a little bit of food each day to keep them happy.

One of the best things about a wormery is the “worm juice” – the liquid byproduct that collects at the bottom. It’s like a super-powered fertilizer for your plants. Just dilute it with water and spray it on your plants for a healthy boost. And after a few months, you’ll also have that amazing worm compost, which is perfect for planting or mulching.

How to Build a Wormery Tower

If you want to get a bit fancier, you can build a wormery tower using three plastic bins.

Step 1: Drill holes in the tops and bottoms, put a drainage pan underneath to catch the worm juice, and stack them up.

Step 2: Fill the top bin with your scraps, and once it’s full, move the bottom bin to the top and start filling it.

Step 3: By the time the top bin is full, the bottom one should have beautiful, ready-to-use compost. It’s a continuous cycle of goodness!

Wrap UP

Whether you use a simple box or a tower, a wormeries are a fantastic way to reduce waste and create valuable resources for your garden. It’s like having a little ecosystem right in your backyard. And honestly, it’s so satisfying to see those scraps turn into something so beneficial.

Have you ever tried using a wormery? What are your experiences? Or do you have any questions about getting started or what kind of worm to use? Share them in the comments below!