Advanced Techniques

Vermicomposting: Composting With Worms!

What you will need:

• Two bins: one (such as an 18 gallon plastic bin with a lid) will be used to hold the compost and worms, the other will be used to collect the “tea” that leaches from the compost
• Screening: so the worms don’t escape
• Shredded paper/cardboard: provides bedding for the worms to live
• Water: to keep the bedding and compost moist
• Soil (about a pound): to start off and cover the food scraps
• Worms (about a pound): Redworms consume waste very quickly
• Container for food scraps: to store items that will go in the compost bin

Composting with worms produces a very nutrient rich soil as well as a “tea” that leaches from the compost that can be collected and used to water plants. This method of composting is typically done inside the house for a more controlled environment.

To start off, the bin that holds the compost and worms needs to have holes drilled in both the sides and bottom. This is so that the worms can have access to air and so that the liquids from the compost can drain out into the second bin.

Putting screens over the drilled holes is also recommended so the worms don’t escape, just don’t use metal screening because it will get rusty. The screens can be attached to the sides and bottom of the bin with waterproof glue.

The compost bin can then be placed in the smaller,more shallow bin to collect the compost and worm “tea”.

After this, add about three inches deep of a mixture of the soil and shredded paper and dampen it with water. The worms can be added after that and the lid can be put back on the bin.

Food scraps should only be added about once a week, so it is convenient to keep them in a separate container. Add in a handful of shredded paper once a week as well.

The compost should be kept moist and the food scraps should be covered with dirt so it doesn’t attract pests. No meat or animal byproducts should be added to this type of compost.

Bokashi Composting

Bokashi composting is a form of composting that uses “bokashi bran” to ferment food scraps, including animal byproducts. The bran can be bought in stores or online. It is sprinkled over the food to coat it and then also over the top of the pile as well. Bokashi is an anaerobic form of composting, so once food is added, it must be compacted and the container must be sealed tightly. Like vermicomposting, this type of compost can also be done inside.

One of the easiest ways to start with Bokashi composting is to by a container with a spigot, because the the liquid byproduct has to be drained regularly. Once the bin becomes full, it is supposed to sit for about ten to twelve days out of direct sunlight.

After that, the compost can be removed from the bin and and added into regular compost or buried a garden. The mixture will still be very acidic, so it is recommended to wait at least two weeks before planting anything in the soil.

The liquid byproduct can also be used as fertilizer, but this too will be acidic and needs to be diluted before use.

Lasagna Gardening

Lasagna gardening is a good alternative to regular compost because once it is made, it doesn’t require much work. A lot of people begin lasagna gardens in autumn because they can use the fallen leaves as part of the layers. This form of composting can take long time to finish, so by spring the compost may be ready to be planted on.

To form a lasagna garden, you’ll need:

• Greens: yard trimmings, coffee grounds, fruits, vegetables, etc.
• Browns: newspaper, cardboard, leaves, sawdust, etc.

Once you have these materials you can start your garden. The garden is made by alternating approximately one to two inches of greens with one to two inches of browns, but it doesn’t have to be exact. The pile will start to grow as you add more layers. Once you are done layering the compost pile can be covered with plastic to protect it from the weather.

After that, it doesn’t really require much more work. All thats left to do is wait for your compost to finish!

Resources:

“Bokashi: All You Need to Know.” Planet Natural, http://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/indoor-composting/bokashi-composting/

“How to Create and Maintain an Indoor Worm Composting Bin.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 8 Aug. 2017, http://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-create-and-maintain-indoor-worm-composting-bin.

“Layer Compost ‘Lasagna-Style’ for No-till Gardening.” OSU Extension Service, Oregon State University Extension Service, 31 May 2018, extension.oregonstate.edu/news/layer-compost-lasagna-style-no-till-gardening.

Vanderlinden, Colleen. “How to Make a No-Till, No-Dig, Organic Garden.” The Spruce, 19 Nov. 2018, http://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-a-lasagna-garden-2539877.

“Vermicomposting – Composting with Worms.” Vermicomposting – Composting with Worms | Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County, 2008, lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtml