Vermicomposting 101: The #1 Cause of Worm Bin Problems

by Steve | Feb 20, 2018 | Vermicomposting 101 Series, Worm Bin

It seems to happen again and again and again. Armed with a bin, some bedding, and a shiny new arsenal of composting worms, eager new vermicomposters, our fellow foot soldiers in the War on Waste try to win the war literally overnight. And they often fail miserably....

Vermicomposting 101: Plant and Soil Benefits of Vermicompost

by Steve | Dec 20, 2017 | Vermicompost, Vermicomposting 101 Series

Some of us start vermicomposting to divert our household or farm waste away from the waste stream, and that is a benefit by itself. But what about the end product? If you’re reading this, you’re probably already aware that vermicompost, which includes the...

Vermicomposting 101: How to Start a Worm Bin

by Steve | Jun 22, 2017 | Vermicompost, Vermicomposting 101 Series, Worm Bin

Starting a new home worm bin is easy and only requires a bin, bedding, some food, and yes, the worms. Anyone can learn how to do it. But as I learned a few years ago, starting a successful, thriving home bin from scratch where worms won’t try to escape the first...

Vermicomposting 101: How Much Should I Feed My Worms?

by Steve | May 21, 2017 | Vermicompost, Vermicomposting 101 Series

The question of how much to feed your composting worms can vex the beginning vermicomposter, and if you’re in an area like I am that features both hot and cold weather, then that amount can vary wildly. So if I were you, I would get out of the mindset of trying...

Vermicomposting 101: What Are the Differences Between Vermicomposting and Composting?

by Steve | May 4, 2017 | Vermicompost, Vermicomposting 101 Series

Probably the most misleading thing about vermicomposting is that it includes the word “composting.” Wikipedia tells us compost is “organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment.” And while that is a...

Vermicomposting 101: Can I Use The Worms I Find In My Garden To Vermicompost?

by Steve | May 2, 2017 | Vermicompost, Vermicomposting 101 Series

No. Or I should say, in nearly all cases, no. There are 2700 species of earthworms in the world and only about 4 of them of them are good vermicomposters.  They are: eisenia fetida*, aka red wigglers, tiger worms, manure worms eisenia hortensis*, aka European...