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Urban Worm CompostingWorms love garbage! But that's not the only reason why they make great 'pets'. They're also low maintenance and inexpensive to keep. They help you reduce the amount of food waste you throw into the landfill each week by eating it for you. As they eat the scrapes, worms turn it into rich compost for your garden. It's a win/win for everyone...less garbage in the landfill and more nutrient-rich compost in your garden! Because of this, many people in the city are starting their own vermicompost system in their own homes. You can too. It's easy to get started with worms, there's just a few things you need to know about them and their needs before you get started. Temperature is ImportantAlthough worms can tolerate a range of temperatures, for best composting conditions, keep the worms between 59-77 degrees. They will survive in temperatures as low at 50 degrees, but any lower than that risks killing them. Now, you might be asking yourself how the worms survive just fine outside all winter in the cold and snow? This is because they can burrow down deep underground for protection. And if it snows, there's an additional layer of insulation for them. However, worms in a bin don't have the added protection, so they need to be kept in more temperate conditions. Moisture Allows Worms to BreatheWorms need moisture since they breathe through their skin. If their skin is dry, they can't breathe or excrete waste. If your worm bin gets dry, add water. But be careful! Too much water and they'll drown. Slightly Acidic Compost is BestWorms thrive best in slightly acid soil. A pH range from 5 to 9 is best. Too much acid and the worms will either start dying or try to escape. Good Ventilation is a MustWorms use oxygen like we do. And they produce carbon dioxide. Because of that, it's important to allow air circulation in your worm bin.
Here's more information about worm composting:What kind of worms do I need (and how many)?
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