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!
