Vermicomposting is a quick and cost-efficient way to convert kitchen trash into manure through the process of decomposition. It helps in providing nutrition to the soil. The vermicomposting process involves breaking down organic matter into castings by the worm. Vermicompost contains nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that helps in enriching the soil. It also consists of microbes that facilitate plant growth. Vers L’avenir has a wide range of earthworm species that ease the composting procedure.
Types of worms used in vermicomposting
Two kinds of earthworms are mainly used for generating organic manure. They are as follows.
- Red wiggler
Various species of earthworms are used in the process of vermicomposting. However, Eisenia fetida is widely recommended, among others.
Multiple names know these species. They are commonly referred to as red wigglers and tiger worms.
Red Wiggler is red, as the name suggests. This species of worms start squirming when they feel agitation Or exposure to sunlight. They are known as Tiger warms because, after stretching, Eisenia fetida is the only species of earthworm that are patterned with a tiger stripe.
Read wigglers are known for quick reproduction and voracious eating. They are easily adaptable to living in a bin. They are small in size. Their length is lesser than 3 inches when they are not stretched. They like living in dark, humid places and survive in temperatures ranging from almost frozen to 80 F. The best temperature for them is 60 F to 75 F. If the bin temperature goes beyond 85 F, they start dying.
Make sure to buy these worms from renowned farms famous for their quality. Avoid purchasing red worms from bait stores. In order to start vermicomposting, make sure to buy a pound of compost worms per square foot of the bin’s surface.
- Lumbricus rubellus
Along with red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), redworms, also known as Lumbricus rubellus, are also used for vermicomposting. They are easily managed as they eat vegetable waste and produce the nutrient-enriched casting. Worms and their bins do not have a rancid smell so you can keep them inside your house for the whole year. They are a nice option for utilizing kitchen waste. By using a good quality of worms and feeding them regularly, you will have a sufficient supply for your garden. Make sure to keep them in good condition.
Due to their easy manageability, you can also introduce your kids to them. It is a great way to foster farming and agricultural knowledge in your kids. You can initiate it by telling them about the vermicomposting process and its benefits to the soil.