VermiCompost Your Food Scraps

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2009-10-21T18:22:53+00:00

true What Is Compost? Composting is part if the natural process of decomposition that naturally occurs in nature.    A compost bin functions as a digester that breaks down organic matter, allowing nutrients to be assimilated back into the earth for continual benefit. The final product that is produced is known as humus - often referred to as black gold for its ability to regenerate the soil, act as a natural fertilizer, aerate soil, prevent erosion etc. Humus contains carbon, nitrogen, in addition to, beneficial bacteria and millions of microorganisms.    It is not static but rather completely alive.    It is an excellent component to even out soil variations, absorb water and support plant and animal life while assisting in the production of soil - a critical element in our evolution. Why Compost? Most solid waste in municipal settings is in large part food scraps. By composting of our food scraps, we drastically reduce our waste, which in turn, lightens the load on our landfills.    Currently, our landfills are being exhausted at unprecedented rates. Landfills throughout our the country have been closing, due to maximum capacity, forcing cities to truck or rail our garbage across state and international borders. Compost adds a rich nutrient to gardens, plant life and trees. Many city dwellers that may not have a garden to deposit their goods in, will donate them to neighborhood trees.    When compost is placed on the earth, it helps to regenerate the soil of an immediate area, regenerating the soil structure and water absorption capacity.    When gardens benefit from rich humus, the food will naturally thrive and produce healthy and nutritious food for you. There is no need to purchase synthetic chemical fertilizers that are contaminants your home, your health and the earth. Artificial fertilizers by pass the natural process with synthetic chemicals promoting the growth of weeds, disease and pests - while contaminating our health, and the air and water quality of a region. Balance For a compost pile to decompose properly, a sweet balance or proper alkalinity, must be maintained.    There are two elements that are necessary in a compost pile - brown and green material.    Brown consists of what is high Carbon (woody, dried leaves, sawdust, brown, paper, egg cartons). Green consists of high Nitrogen (fresh produce, grass, food scraps, grass clippings or garden prunings, tea bags, coffee grinds, etc). The balance should be maintained at a ratio of about 30:1 (Carbon to Nitrogen). It is not as complex as it sounds, because this variation is usually found in the range of food people eat. Does It Smell? No. Contrary to popular belief compost, when maintained under proper conditions, it does not smell. Finished compost will have the look, feel and odor of rich soil - depending on the conditions it may take from 6 - 12 weeks. The optimal conditions inside the bin are to be hot, but the heat will be generated naturally - it should not be left in direct sun. It can be stored in a patio, garage, basement, shed, or utility closet. There should not be an infestation of fruit flies either. There will microorganisms growing and even some mold may appear - these elements should break down. What Not to Add: You do not want to add: dairy, cheese, milk-related products, meats, bones, chicken, whole eggs, fat, weeds with mature seeds, pet feces, pressure/chemical treated wood. Animal feces carries pathogens and should not be added to your bin. You can create one specifically for your dog, but do not use it on your garden. Do not add food that is too moldy. Only add organic matter and do not add non-organic garbage, plastic, metal or glass. Best to remove stickers, rubber bands and tags that are placed on food. What You Will Need: • Plastic Bin with tight lid • Order red wigglers (Eisenia foetida) worms online ($10 p/lb.) or • Retrieve a bag of existing compost with worms from a friend • Newspaper • Drill • 1/4” drill bit • Food scraps      ★ If you want to harvest the worm castings, you will need:              • 2 bricks              • A pan the relative size to the surface area to the bottom of the bin Rule of Thumb: To determine bin size you need two square feet of surface area per person, or one square foot of surface area per pound of food waste per week. Step 1 •    Purchase plastic bin •    18 gallon bin accommodates 1 - 3 people •    Bin can be as small as 5 gallons for one person •    A 32 gallon is perfect for a family for 4 + people ★ Try to find plastic bins at thrift stores or any used locations - I found mine in my dumpster. The bin will provide the home of the worms by creating the optimum conditions to break down organic matter into rich humus or compost. Step 2 •Drill 1/4” holes to aerate the bin Space holes about 3 - 4” on top Space holes on sides 3” apart in 3 rows The holes are necessary to aerate the bin and allows the worms to breathe and allow oxygen to contribute to the decomposition process. Step 3 • Drill 3 holes on each side of 1” lip of bottom • Compost juice (aka castings) will come from here • Place bin on grass and allow castings to enter soil • To harvest castings, raise with bricks over a pan • Collect the castings and dilute with water 1:20 Castings are the excrement of the worms and is a natural fertilizer, soil enhancer and plant food. The worms will not come out - they prefer to be where the food is. Step 4 • Find newspaper in your recycling bin • Shred length-wise to 1” strips • This create bedding for the worms inside • Acquire enough newspaper to fill the bin The bedding will give the worms the brown component needed. The worms will also eat the bedding, you will need to add newspaper accordingly. As you notice it go down, add additional shredded newspaper. Step 5 • Place half of shredded newspaper in bin • Soak newspaper to get all angels wet • Ring newspaper like a wet sponge • Remove excess water This will help create the optimum condition for proper moisture levels. Step 6 • Fluff compressed moistened newspaper • Compare perforated holes inside bin to yours • Consider using half the bin for one person This allows for air to enter and facilitate the ventilation. Step 7 • Add 1 lb. worms (only to one side of the bin if you are one person and choose to do that.) ‣ Purchase them here or ‣ Acquire a bag from a friend • You will begin using only one side • This will help in keeping the worms in one area • Using one side will facilitate during harvesting The worms will adjust and procreate according to the size of the bin - within due time. It is important to purchase the

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VermiCompost Your Food Scraps

2009-10-23T03:42:04+00:00

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