Add worms: Red worms, also known as red wigglers or Eisenia fetida, are the most commonly used worms for vermicomposting. You can purchase them from a gardening store or online. Introduce the worms to the bedding, spreading them evenly across the surface.
Feed the worms: Worms consume organic waste, so you'll need to provide them with a balanced diet. They eat fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, crushed eggshells, and small amounts of shredded paper. Avoid feeding them meat, dairy, oily foods or anything that can attract pests.
Maintain the worm farm: Regularly check the moisture level in the worm farm. The bedding should remain damp, but excess moisture should be avoided as it can cause anaerobic conditions. If the bedding feels too dry, mist it with water. If it's too wet, add dry bedding material.
Harvest the compost: Over time, the worms will break down the organic waste and turn it into nutrient-rich compost. As the compost matures, you can harvest it for use in your garden. There are different methods for harvesting, but a common approach is to create a pile on one side of the container and add fresh bedding and food on the other side. The worms will migrate to the new bedding, allowing you to collect the finished compost from the pile.
Use the compost: The finished vermicompost is an excellent soil amendment. It improves soil structure, provides essential nutrients, and enhances plant growth. Use it to enrich potting mixes, add it to garden beds, or create compost tea for liquid fertilisation.
Remember, maintaining the worm farm requires attention and regular care. Keep an eye on the temperature, moisture levels, and the overall health of the worms. With proper care, your worm farm will provide you with a continuous supply of nutrient-rich compost while helping reduce waste.
