If you have been composting over 30 days, dig around in the soil once in a while to see how your worm population is doing. Is it increasing or decreasing? Many of the bins we have been visiting are showing signs of reproduction. Opening up the soil adds a little extra aeration and helps you get a better sense of what is happening and how happy the worms are. Just check out the moisture, add paper if too wet or water if too dry (use the squeeze test if you are not sure – a few drops when you squeeze a handful of dirt.) If you see lots of worms, consider harvesting them for the garden. Don't be shy about adding paper, worms need fiber in the bedding.
Side note: if your hinges squeak, add a dab of olive oil and turn the hinge. It goes away.
Many of you wondered how to harvest your worms – it’s simple. Do not feed the bin for a few days. Add a very ripe melon or any juicy treat to the top and leave overnight. The worms will gradually move towards the food and make a “ball.” Several of you asked what a worm “ball” looks like. Here is one we harvested for a teacher:
Use a similar method to harvest the worm castings.1. Move the content of the bin to one side.
2. Put in fresh, moist bedding (I recommend shredded newspaper) and food in the other half of the bin. Worms will gradually migrate to side of bin with new food and bedding.
3. Harvest your vermicompost (worm castings or worm compost.) Don’t worry if you have a few stray worms left in the compost.
Remember that worm castings are very high in nutrients. Numerous ways to use worm castings include:
· Potting soil (10-15% castings recommended by VA Extension Service, 50% by WormWoman)
· Fertilizer for starting seeds - sprinkle lightly in seed beds or seed pots/trays.
· Fertilizer for transplanting plants - put small amounts in planting hole
· Top dressing in garden (1/4 inch layer)
Happy Spring to you all! Next week, we discuss fun classroom activities.
Best,
Gina
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