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vermi-composting_two_bin_method

The document outlines a two-bin method for vermi-composting indoors using red worms, detailing the materials needed and step-by-step assembly instructions. It also provides guidance on harvesting compost and troubleshooting common issues such as over-watering and unpleasant odors. The process allows for efficient composting while maintaining a space-saving setup suitable for indoor environments.

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Menaka ganesan
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9 views

vermi-composting_two_bin_method

The document outlines a two-bin method for vermi-composting indoors using red worms, detailing the materials needed and step-by-step assembly instructions. It also provides guidance on harvesting compost and troubleshooting common issues such as over-watering and unpleasant odors. The process allows for efficient composting while maintaining a space-saving setup suitable for indoor environments.

Uploaded by

Menaka ganesan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Vermi-Composting: Two Bin Method

A space-saving way to compost indoors using worms

What You Need

• two 8-10 gallon, dark-colored plastic storage bins with lids


• a drill or tool to punch quarter-inch and sixteenth-inch holes in the bins
• bedding material (shredded newsprint, brown leaves, straw, sawdust)
• cardboard
• blocks or bricks
• one pound of red worms (for a list of suppliers, visit http://www.cityfarmer.org/wormsupl79.html)
• food scraps excluding meat, dairy, fats, and oils

Part One: Assembly of Your Vermi-Composting Bin


1. Drill 20 evenly spaced,
quarter-inch holes in
the bottom of each bin.
Near the top edge of the
side of each bin, drill
sixteenth-inch holes about
one inch apart
2. Moisten bedding until it is
as wet and fluffy as a damp
sponge, but not soggy.
Evenly layer the bedding six
inches deep in one of the
bins.
3. Distribute worms in clumps
across the top of the
bedding. Wait one hour. If
any worms remain on top of
the bedding, remove them.
4. In one corner of the bin,
lift up the bedding, place
food scraps, and generously
cover them with bedding.
5. Cover the bedding with a moistened piece of cardboard. Drill about 30 evenly spaced
quarter-inch holes in one of the lids and place it on the bin.
6. Place the blocks on the remaining lid, then place the bin on the blocks. The lid will act
as a tray and catch any excess moisture. The blocks will provide ventilation.
7. Locate the bin in a dark place where the contents can be kept moist and at a temperature
of 55º-75º. Ideal locations include basements, garages, balconies, and under kitchen
counters. If you keep the bin outdoors, protect it from the sun and rain; move the bin
indoors before winter.
8. Each time you bury new food scraps, create a new pile close to the last one. The worms
will migrate to the new pile. The worms will also eat the bedding so you will have to
add additional bedding as needed.
Part Two: Harvest and Continued Use of Your Vermi-Composter

1. Wait until the bin is full and


there are no recognizable
food scraps. At this time,
place new bedding material
and buried food scraps
in the second bin. Cover
with a moistened piece of
cardboard. Remove the lid
from the first bin and place
it on the second bin. Place
the second bin directly on
the compost surface of the
first bin. You now have a
bottom bin and a top bin.
2. In one to two months, the
worms will migrate from
the bottom bin to the top
bin. The bottom bin will
now contain compost that
is almost worm-free. Gently
remove any remaining
worms and place them in
the top bin. Set the top bin
on the blocks. The top bin
is now the new bottom bin.
You can now repeat from
Part One, step 8.
3. The compost in the original
bottom bin is now ready for
use as a fertilizer. Remove
the compost from the bin
and use the bin as the future
top bin.

Troubleshooting

Problem Probable Cause Solutions

too wet add more bedding


worms are dying or trying
too dry moisten bedding
to escape
not enough bedding harvest bin
not enough air drill more ventilation holes
unpleasant odor too many food scraps do not add scraps for 1-2 weeks
too wet add more bedding
fruit flies exposed food bury food in bedding

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