We produce an astonishing amount of domestic waste and it is
estimated that over 50% of this is organic. When organic waste is disposed of in landfill sites it decomposes anaerobically
producing methane (a key greenhouse gas) and an unpleasant liquid that can leach into the watercourse.
In nature, dead and rotting organic materials can be turned into enriching humus
by earthworms. What we can do is reproduce that process in a convenient way at home, reducing the waste we throw away
and producing useful by products.
Wormeries can complement
other composting techniques.
Worms will eat most organic
matter but to make operating a wormery a good experience, it is better to leave out meat, fish, dairy products and fried foods.
Worms will eat this but bad odours may be produced as the materials decompose and it may attract pests and vermin.
Waste that is good for wormeries includes; vegetable and food waste such as
potato peelings, apple cores, banana skins, paper, cardboard, egg boxes, tea leaves & tea bags, coffee grounds, crushed
egg shells and even horse manure. Note - worms are not keen on citrus fruits or too many onions!
You must not put carniverous animal droppings or disposable nappies in your
wormery!
For the first few weeks feed your worms chopped
up food in small amounts. This gives them the chance to settle into their new home. If you see worms amongst the
waste then they are ready to be fed again.
Worms need
moisture so don't let the contents get too dry, the bedding should be the consitency of a wrung out sponge. But
don't let it get too wet, drain off any excess liquid in the bottom and/or add some shredded paper to soak up any excess.
If flies are a problem cover the waste with shredded paper or place
it in the bin wrapped in newspaper.
Worms work best at a
temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C. They will tolerate lower temperatures but it may be an idea to insulate with
carpet, cardboard or bubble wrap in exceptionally cold weather.
Don't leave your wormery somewhere where it will get too hot in the summer.
Don't try to overload the system with waste - little and often is a good thing!
