want to start vermicomposting

I am very interested in vermicomposting and would like to start doing it in my home ASAP. I just wanted to see if there were any pointers that werent included in the video that might help make this experience easier. I think its going to be great for my plants and my son loves the idea of helping out with the project. Are there any particular kitchen scrap items I should avoid??

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Becky Mojica on February 1, 2009 at 11:42am

What I've read is that onion, garlic and meat should be avoided, or spicy food scraps. There is a book I've heard of that is considered an excellent resouce: Worms Eat My Garbage.

Permalink Reply by Shanna on February 1, 2009 at 11:53am

thanks - i just put a copy of the book you mentioned on reserve at the library so hopefully it will show up in the next couple of days. Perhaps I will spend next weekend starting on vermicomposting. I appreciate the pointers.

Permalink Reply by Shanna on April 17, 2009 at 12:22pm

Becky,

I was wondering if you still had worms that you would like to get rid of - I still have yet to start my vermicomposting but the only thing thats holding me up is no worms. Let me know and I would love to stop by sometime next week with a container if the offer is still on the table.

Thanks!!

Permalink Reply by GardenThymeGirl on February 3, 2009 at 4:24pm

Hi,

Somehow I missed your post when you wrote it. Hello. You are very safe in providing plant based foods in the worm bin. I avoid spicy, acidic, meat and dairy products when feeding my worms. Be careful to not over feed them. If you have a pound of worms--I suggest feeding them no more than 1/2 to 1 pound of scraps. Overfeeding them can lead to a mess and can putrify the bin.

On March 5th, the NC Arboretum is putting together a day session on composting, mulch and vermicomposting. I'm not sure if they are advertising it yet. I will be the vermicomposting teacher that day. I saw the video and thought it was a good one. I swear by "Worms Eat My Garbage", by Mary Appelhoff. I own it and use it constantly when giving a workshop. The book is about $11.00 on Amazon.com Have fun with your worms--I just purchased Can O Worms worm bin from a lady. I'm going to test it out. Presently, I use a simple plastic bin. Best of luck and feel free to post often. Dawn

Permalink Reply by Shanna on February 16, 2009 at 9:57am

anywhere I can get worms locally that will work in the vermicomposting bins?? I read that red wigglers are ideal but unsure if they can be purchased in the Asheville area or if I need to purchase online. Let me know

Permalink Reply by GardenThymeGirl on March 14, 2009 at 10:40am

I have purchased my Red Wigglers on-line from TopLine--they are out of New Mexico. They were more affordable than the few locals offered.

Permalink Reply by Shanna on March 14, 2009 at 1:44pm

thanks for the suggestion - my husband actually found a woman in hendersonville that gave him some worms to start us out - I think he's picking them up from her sometime next week so I will finally get started!! I'll let you know how it goes

Permalink Reply by GardenThymeGirl on March 15, 2009 at 11:35am

This is great--they multiply so fast that you can share them with others.

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