Reduce your rubbish

Worm composting

What is worm composting?

Worm composting is is also known as vermicomposting and is a composting method using worms to eat your fruit and vegetable scraps. The worms, usually Tiger Worms, are exactly the same as those in a compost bin or heap but are contained in a smaller transportable bin that can be indoors, outdoors, on a porch or verandah. The method is also called vermiculture or worm composting. Worm Farming generally refers to a commercial venture that is producing the worms for sale.

Tiger Worms are not the same worms as the earthworms found in garden soil and will not survive in the garden. They need the dark, moistness of a worm bin or compost bin to live.

What are the benefits?

The worms eat your kitchen food scraps and process them into castings. This reduces the rubbish you put out at your gate.
Vermicasts are a good quality soil conditioner and may be added to your garden and indoor and outdoor pot plants.
Worm Tea is the liquid waste the worms produce. This is also an effective fertiliser.
Plants fed on worm waste improve in growth and quality. You will have a continual supply of free fertiliser once your worm farm is working properly.
For those with flats or no garden this is an easy way to reduce your rubbish and recycle food scraps.
Itss a great way for children to learn about organic recycling and at the same time to learn to care for animals. Children love worm bins.
Worm bins make great birthday and Christmas presents.

Handy hints

Feed worms left-over food scraps, vegetables and fruit peelings, tea and coffee bags and coffee grounds and eggshells.
Don't feed your worms onions, citrus peelings, peppers, meat or spicy foods.
Worms prefer damp but not wet conditions. Moist newspaper on top of the worms will prevent them from drying out.
Put your worm bin in a sheltered shady area, away from wind and sun.