Next step is to make 'bedding' for the worms. Bedding is what the worms live in. The worms feed on the bedding and break it down into nutrient-rich castings. The bedding also provides a space for the worms to move around and burrow, which is crucial for their overall health. So, it’s definitely a significant part of worm composting! You will need to set up bedding and then put the worms on top.
The bedding can be formed from dried leaves, coco coir, soil, shredded paper, straw/hay... a mix of these will create a well-balanced environment. Notice how all of the bedding materials mentioned are sources of carbon. In composting, there needs to be a good ratio of nitrogen (aka "greens": all the kitchen waste and scraps) to carbon (aka "browns": bedding, leaves, shredded brown paper, shredded cardboard, wood chips..)
I went to my local park to collect some fallen leaves from this Sycamore tree :-) (thank you tree)! I think my worms will like these crunchy dried up leaves...
Found an old tote so I'm going to make a vermicompost bin today!
What is Vermicomposting? Vermicomposting is basically composting with worms! It's a very simple method and all you need is a bin and worms to divert your kitchen and garden waste to produce worm castings. The worms eat through all the waste and produce a readily available, well-balanced fertilizer that gives a lot of vitality to the garden. Later, I will show what kind of plants I grow in my garden to use for my art.
I love circular methods and creating a cycle of sustainability when possible. It feels good to turn waste into something valuable for life, in a very low-cost and efficient way, and helps reduce the waste in landfills.
Here I am drilling holes in this tote so there is air for the worms. No need to drill any drainage holes, as it will keep some of the moisture in.
If you decide to make your own worm bin, make sure the bin is not see through because the worms like dark environments! I got my worms from a friend who has their own worm bin or you can find them online (search for Red Wigglers). An adult red wiggler worm can produce 2 to 3 cocoons every week, and each cocoon can hatch up to 20 baby worms! Now multiply this by the number of mature worms in your worm bin…that's a lot of worms in a little time. You will have LOTS to share!
I'm v nervous and excited to take you along my silly little projects ;-P I hope we can learn a lot together! I like to follow my curiosities and see where it takes me. Being bored is the worst feeling, so making things + being creative + playing with my imagination is how I stay happy. ;.)
(Actually, is being bored a bad thing? Sometimes it leads to feeling creative and problem solving which can actually make you feel more creative? Hmm...)
Anyways, let's start off by making something... Guess what are we going to make today? (Yes, I'm a DeWalt girly... best drills imo)!
