You can call your compost nothing but a mini-ecosystem. There is a range of microbes, fungi, and bugs that aids in boosting the rotting process. Among several microorganisms, worms are one of them to break up organic material.
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Have you ever spotted a worm in your garden? If yes, then it is the indicator of healthy soil. So, there is no need to thrill when you spot worms in your garden or farm. Now, think about what will going to happen if worms are present in your compost.
Which worms are perfect for composting
There are mainly two kinds of worm that are raised by farms namely, Lumbricus rubellus and Eisenia foetida. Such kind of worms is used whenever you want to compost with worms.
Now, you might be thinking what’s special about these worms? These species are special because such kinds of worms are easy to keep, and they like composting environments. As you already know, worms feeding on organic bedding and compost produce richer casting in comparison to those feeding on plain soil.
Both these species are referred to by a range of names, comprising tiger worms, manure worms, red worms, brandling worms, and red wigglers. They are raised together, but there is no possible way that they can interbreed. However, there can be cases in that other species have interbred successfully.
Significance of worms
Ecologically friendly
Worms are the species that can aid in reducing landfill waste by recycling good scraps. So, worms contribute to cutting down our carbon footprint. Also, they never generate any kind of greenhouse gases while breaking down your organic materials.
No more disease
You might familiar with the role of hot composting, which can easily kill pathogens. However, do you know that there is a major role played by worms to kill diseases? So, your compost is free from disease, and you’ll get a healthy product in the end.
Boost oxygen level
Worms are moving creatures, and that’s why they can easily burrow wherever they want. So, when worms burrow through the compost, then pathways can be created automatically. Through this, the compost can be aerated, and oxygen can be accessible to other organisms, which aids in turning organic material into compost.
No odor
As you know composting is a natural process, and there are chances that some odor will be there. However, when you’ll use worms for composting, then there will be no odor. Now, there is no need to worry about unpleasant smells from your bin with worms.
Location to keep worms
It is up to you whether you want to raise worms on a large scale or small scale:
Large scale
Want to manage a range of organic materials at a time? Then try to manage worms in low-mounded rows referred to as worm beds or ricks. You can even use systems like large in-vessel continuous-flow easily accessible from suppliers. The thing is that worms will continue burrowing into your bed just for protection. So, until bedding conditions turn intolerable, your compost will be full of worms.
Small scale
Looking for managing only your food scraps or your family’s scrap? Then it is better to go for a worm bin sized around 12-20 gallons. Remember that the bin must be opaque and dark. Try to have a bin comprising lid, drainage, and aeration holes right in the bottom. Things like a tray underneath and small 1-inch legs will also be helpful for your bin.
How to attract worms to your compost
- If your existing compost comprises poor quality, then it is better to dig your food scraps into the compost. With this, your compost will turn into a perfect source of food for worms.
- Worms prefer places that are quite cool and moist. So, try to make your compost full of moisture, and it would be a great shelter for worms. You can even use a mulch to improve the conditions around your compost bin. With the mulch, your compost will turn into a cool environment, and there will be no more evaporation of moisture.
- Try to stick to organic products because if you use chemical-related products in your compost, there are chances that worms will die. So, it is better to switch to organic products and attract more worms with them.
Conclusion
It is up to you whether you want worms or not, but no one can ignore the worm’s role played in keeping your compost healthy. Even it can be beneficial for your surrounding on several distinctive levels. So, stop wasting scraps and go for composting with the aid of worms.
