The use of a disposer is perhaps the most rational, convenient and technical advanced way of disposing of organic waste today. However, in some cases, for example, in the absence of a centralized sewerage system or the absence of the technical feasibility of installing a food waste disposer, it is necessary to look for another alternative to the trash can. There is such an alternative – this is the best worm composting bin.
What is a vermicompost and how does it work?
A home-made vermicompost, or vermicompost, is a compact installation of several containers in which compost worms live. In nature, it is they who turn biological waste – foliage, grass and other organic remains into a fertile soil layer. Food waste becomes food for the inhabitants of the worm farm. The output is compost – 100% natural organic fertilizer.
A vermicompost is essentially a piece of a closed ecosystem in your home. All that is required of people is to create the appropriate conditions at the initial stage and then regularly supply the worms with food. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to do this every day – they will easily survive the two-week absence of new supplies. In addition, worms are able to independently regulate their population, depending on the area allotted for housing and the amount of food.
How does a vermicomposter work?
You can buy a worm farm or do it yourself. To begin with, it is enough to take two identical plastic containers, put one in the other, make several holes with a diameter of 1–2 mm in the upper one and fill it with a base substrate to maintain the required humidity level and maintain air exchange. As a substrate, sawdust, decayed foliage and shredded waste paper moistened with water are suitable. After that, it is necessary to place the worms in the container and add the peel or the remnants of the fruit – microorganisms necessary for a closed ecosystem live on them. After two days, you can add waste.
Where to find worms for a worm farm and how many are needed?
Not all worms are suitable for the thorough processing of food waste into vermicompost. Californian red hybrid and prospector worms are the best options. They are the least picky about food and living conditions, in addition, they are long-livers – the lifespan of each individual is about 15 years. Suitable worms can be found for anglers, in the compost heap, or from another weermart.
The population of the vermi farm directly depends on the amount of waste supplied to it. The optimal ratio is 2 to 1, that is, worms weighing 1 kg are able to process up to 0.5 kg of waste per day.
What kind of waste can the vermicompost be loaded?
The vermicomposter is suitable for processing all types of vegetable food waste: vegetables, fruits, bread, tea, coffee and even shredded paper and cardboard.
But the remains of meat, fish and other similar organic matter should not be placed in it – they will also decompose, but at the same time they will emit a very unpleasant odor and attract pests.
How can vermicompost be used?
The biohumus obtained as a result of the work of the worm farm is an excellent fertilizer for indoor plants. If there are none in the apartment or there are too few of them, you can fertilize the lawn near the house or take them to the country house. By the way, a vermicompost is the best option for a country or country house, which allows not only to save on garbage bags, but also provides a regular supply of fertilizers.