Worms Done Right! A Worm Composting Update

So here I am, the proud owner of a worm bin, with active worms working away inside. I was excited about the bin, and wrote about it right away. I included pictures, and a step-by-step outline of how we put the bin together.

And then I heard from Liz. What I had proudly put together was basically the worst environment for my poor worms! Let me tell you about Liz!

Liz, or as her website describes her, the "Texas Worm Chic" is a worm composting expert. She is passionate about worm composting, and about teaching others what she has learned along the way. After receiving her kind message on my blog, I sought out her website. Called WormBinComposting.com, it is a treasure trove for those interested in worm composting! She covers every aspect, from setting your bin up to harvesting the fabulous soil. As I told her, I so wish I had found her website before I set up my bin. I had gotten my information from the internet, and had searched on Google. What I came up with was step-by-step instructions for setting up a less than perfect worm home. How bad I felt! I quickly devoured everything on her website, which is very thorough. Liz has a question and answer section on her website (how cool is that) which I quickly put to use. I wanted to know if I should redo my bin. She receives lots of questions from folks, and manages to respond very quickly. She also has a yahoo group, and communicates with members by email loop. That way anyone in the group can share information, and everyone benefits from the information that Liz shares. I love it. But it gets better!

After chatting with Liz through her website and through email, she suggested I check out her online worm composting class. While curious, I wondered how a class would be helpful when her website seemed so complete. I checked it out, and it was totally worth it. She takes you step by step through the process of setting up a worm bin, caring for it, feeding the worms, and harvesting, and everything in-between. And she does it with brief video clips of herself doing the work! For someone like me who is more of a visual learner, this type of "class" is very helpful. Once the class is paid for, you can watch the videos again and again, as often as you need to. I love that, because I'm one of those who needs to watch something a thousand times to get it just right, no matter how simple. (I'm a little distractable...yeeks.) Anyhow, I can't wait to start again, and get it right. =)

Liz was kind enough to offer to answer any questions anyone might have about worm composting, right here on my blog! How cool is that? So bring it on!

I suggest to anyone interested in worm composting that you check out her website, and go take her online class. The class costs $5.00. Here is the link:

www.wormbincomposting.com/wormcompostingclass.html

By the way, you can also order worms from Liz. She's got enough to go around!!

If I sound like an advertisement for the Texas Worm Chic, I am. I am truly happy to have found her (well, that She found ME) and I am hopeful that I can bring some business her way as way of thanks. =) And worms are fun. Really!

Worm composting - They're Here!!

At long, long last, the worm compost bin has become a reality. After finally getting our bin together, complete with drilled air holes (thanks, hubby!) we attempted to get red wiggler worms from our local bait shops. They informed us that they are also trying to get their hands one some. Funnily enough, when I mentioned that we wanted them for composting, one bait shop guy responded, "I know, I know." Ha! Guess we're not that odd around here after all. Anyhow, I went online and ordered 500 red wigglers from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm in Spring Grove, PA. I realized that once I had placed the order, I really had to get things together for this thing!! I put our bin out and collected all of our appropriate table scraps in it (fruit and veggie left-overs, but no citrus, etc.) Then we waited....

They arrived today. Here's what the package looked like:

The first step in preparing a worm composting bin is to find a bin with a lid. The size will depend on you. Ours is a former bird seed box cum rock holder. It's clear, which I love, has a lid that opens 1/2 way, and has a carrying handle. Perfect!

The first thing we did was to hand-shred a bunch of newspaper. There's no accounting for taste, but the worms allegedly love it! 

We filled the bin about 3/4 full.

My daughter went out to the back yard and collected a handful or two of both soil and sand, and a few leaves.

Add the soil mix and mix it into the newspaper.

The worms! 500 red wigglers heading for their new home.

Nature girl!!

We watered down the newspaper/soil mix. It really lowered the stuff way down. Once we placed the worms on top, we shredded some more newspaper and gently placed it on top. We then made a space in one corner of the box, and added our collected kitchen scraps. They are getting a lovely mix of cantelope melon rinds, celery, and other good stuff. I have read that we can add coffee grounds, which we have plenty of in this house. I also read that we should have usable rich soil in about 3-4 months. 

I promised to bring this bin to DD's school, and now I want to keep it! But I get it back at the end of June when school ends. I think I'll keep it for a few days, anyhow. =)

Clyde. The first worm to be named. (grin)