Many organic gardeners swear by louse castings , the stuff left behind as worms consume decomposing constitutive material , as the leading soil amendment . Many of those same gardener contend that insect afternoon tea is the ultimate fertiliser . They are both indeed fantabulous , nutrient - robust mathematical product , but if you ’re going to make them yourself by vermicomposting ( compost with worms ) , you ’ve get to do it aright . Here are some common vermicomposting mistake and how you may correct them .
A Dirty Worm Bin
One of the main conflict between compost and insect composting Lie in the direction of the piles . In traditional composting , your pile must arrive at temperatures as gamy as 160 degree F to kill or sterilize pathogens , bacterium and dope seeds . This temperature is not however tributary to squirm composting , as worm need to be in an environment between around 55 and 77 degrees F.
Many binful that are designed for vermicomposting are also suitable home for other insect species and can harbor fungus and bacteria , as well . It is important to work up or purchase a vermiculture container that is appropriate for the raising of worms which allows for proper ventilation and drain .
come out your vermicomposting structures in an area that is dark and quiet . The environs should be dampish , but not to a fault saturated . If you’re able to squeeze out water when embrace a smattering of the material in your vermicomposting bin , it is too crocked and can ask for many diseases into the dirt ball ’ surround . The fabric should be able-bodied to hold a ball - like shape when compacted by bridge player , but should not turn any piddle .
Over - feeding the worms in your vermiculture organisation can tip the Libra the Balance in the favor of other dirt ball and diseases , as well . verify to come after a feeding regimen ground on the estimated number of pound of worms in your worm bin . An average amount of fodder to give to your worm is 3 to 4 pounds of food garbage per each Syrian pound of worms . This can be difficult to estimate , but when ab initio purchasing worms to congeal up a vermiculture system , they are broadly speaking sold by weight . Assuming that they are well - feed and in a tributary surround , they will reproduce and increase their numbers and there will also be those that do not survive . jump with the initial weightiness of the worms as your basis , and adjust accordingly base on how quickly the food is eaten . If there are still food fleck within you vermicomposting binful that have been there for more than a hebdomad , you are feeding them too often .
The Wrong Food
A mutual mistake in course dirt ball is to assume that they can or will deplete anything organic or biodegradable . There are in fact several common nutrient and organic material that should not be put into a vermicomposting organisation :
Using The Wrong Worms
One of the expectant environmental dangers with vermicomposting is choosing the incorrect coinage of dirt ball . Generally talk , the most optimum species of red worm for vermicomposting is theEisenia foetida , generically be referred to as “ crimson wigglers , ” “ manure worms ” or “ red loan-blend . ” Make certain to check the genus and species name before purchasing .
Other insect metal money are not conducive to being raised vermiculture environs , incudingLumbricus terrestris , commonly known as the “ night crawler , ” andLumbricus rebellus , the common fishing worm ( though some resourcefulness will recommend these ) . If released into the amiss surroundings , the action of these types of worms disrupt dirt action and in some case can lead to engraft destruction . Although we are all very familiar with them , they are really natives of Europe and are invasive species of worms in North America . Take care to not contribute to increasing their number .
If you do n’t have a lot of space to work with — and even if you do — vermicomposting can offer a cracking solvent for keeping solid food trash out of the landfill . And by follow a few simple rules , both your garden and your worms will give thanks you .
