Red wiggler worms are the lynchpins of a successful vermicomposting bin, eating their weight in vegetable and fruit scraps every day and thus producing compost that can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants. In addition, the worms’ work produces a mineral-rich leachate that seeps through the holes in the bin; hence the need for a tray under the bin. Mix one part leachate with 10 parts water to service indoor and outdoor plants.
A vermiculture bin gets an addition of fresh newspaper. The dark pebbly bits at the top of the picture are the worm castings, or finished compost.
Maritta Grau
Red wiggler worms are the lynchpins of a successful vermicomposting bin, eating their weight in vegetable and fruit scraps every day and thus producing compost that can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants. In addition, the worms’ work produces a mineral-rich leachate that seeps through the holes in the bin; hence the need for a tray under the bin. Mix one part leachate with 10 parts water to service indoor and outdoor plants.
Red wiggler worms are the lynchpins of a successful vermicomposting bin, eating their weight in vegetable and fruit scraps every day and thus producing compost that can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants. In addition, the worms’ work produces a mineral-rich leachate that seeps through the holes in the bin; hence the need for a tray under the bin. Mix one part leachate with 10 parts water to service indoor and outdoor plants.
A vermiculture bin gets an addition of fresh newspaper. The dark pebbly bits at the top of the picture are the worm castings, or finished compost.
Maritta Grau
You probably have heard the old term, “can of worms,” but how about a tub of worms? Yes, friends, as icky as that might sound, since at least the 1970s, people have been raising red wiggler worms, aka redworms, to make organic compost in bins in their basements, living rooms, kitchens and garages. Yes, worms. Yes, indoors.
I asked several local master gardeners recently about their experiences in vermicomposting. All of those I spoke with have been doing this for several years.
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The Frederick County Master Gardeners Extension Office is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also find gardening information and advice online:
• University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center: extension.umd.edu/programs/environmentnatural-resources/program-areas/home-and-garden-information-center
• Frederick County Master Gardeners Publications: extension.umd.edu/locations/frederick-county/home-gardening
• Facebook, facebook.com/mastergardenersfrederickcountymaryland
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