Worm composting, also called vermicomposting, is one of the easiest methods for reusing fruit and vegetable scraps from your kitchen and yard. All you need is a container filled with moistened bedding, worms and food scraps.

The worms, with help from micro-organisms, convert the bedding and food waste into compost in only a few weeks. Worm composting is so simple it can be done virtually anywhere: schools, offices or homes. It is a natural method for recycling nutrients in food waste. The resulting compost is an excellent soil amendment that can be used to make potting soil for house plants or as a fertilizer for your garden. Worm compost is also a rich source of nitrogen, making it an excellent organic fertilizer. Finally, the worm tea (the liquid that is produced during the composting process) is also an excellent organic fertilizer and contains many essential minerals and nutrients plants need to grow.

Follow These Seven Steps to Easy Worm Composting 1. Use a plastic box with a tight-fitting lid with plenty of air vents or purchase a worm bin. 2. Add bedding material, such as coconut coir or shredded newspaper, and then add about ½ - 1 pound of red worms. 3. Feed the worms regularly with: Good Stuff Fruit scraps Vegetable scraps Coffee grounds and      tea bags Leaves Crushed egg shells Nut shells Stale bread Avoid These Rotting food Meat and dairy items Citrus rinds Animal by-products Oil, fats and grease Pet droppings 4. Keep the worm bin warm, but not hot, and keep it out of direct sunlight. 5. Keep bedding moist, but not wet. 6. Use crushed egg shells or ground limestone to keep the pH neutral (around 7.0). 7. Feed one end of the bin for two weeks, then harvest your worm compost from the other end. Don’t worry if you get a few worms in your harvested compost, they’re great for your yard, garden and potted plants.

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