worm farms

Worm farms

not only create a rich source of nutrients for gardens, lawn and potted plants, but reduce household waste and are great fun for children to get involved with too.

The first thing you need to know about a worm farm is that you'll need to select about 1000 composting worms - Red Worms and Tiger Worms are common composting machines. Indian Blue Worms are less common but just as suitable. The worms you'll ordinarily find in Australian soil won't do the job. Tiger Worms and Red Worms produce castings (worm poo) at an incredibly efficient rate, and if you're into fishing, you'll find they make great bait too.

Getting set up is pretty simple. First, ensure your worm farm is situated in a shady area. Worms don't like the heat, so nothing more than early morning sunshine. A temperature of 19-24ºC is absolutely ideal. Worms thrive in temperatures we find comfortable.

Lay moistened (not soaking) newspaper down for bedding. If you have some leaves or straw around, include those too, then top with compost.

Now you're off. Worms will double their population every few weeks if fed well on a balanced diet of Nitrogen and Carbon so make sure they're getting:

Nitrogen-rich

(

green materials

):

• Vegetable scraps
• Fruit scraps
• Green garden waste & small amounts of lawn clippings
• Tea leaves
• Dead flowers

Carbon-rich

(

dry materials

):

• Dry leaves
• Woody substances (twigs, sticks)
• Ash (from wood only)
• Cardboard & Newspaper (shred and moisten first)
• Sawdust

Other items:

• Egg shells (crushed)
• Hair
• Coffee grounds
• Vacuum cleaner dust
• Hair

DO NOT FEED WORMS:

• Citrus fruits
• Fats
• Meat
• Rice & grains
• Cakes & bread
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Sugary items e.g. lollies
• Dairy
• Diseased plants
• Bones

IF YOU'RE UNSURE OF WHAT TO FEED WORMS, GOOGLE IT. Better to be safe than kill an entire civilisation of wrigglers.

Feed your worms as they eat their way through their last meal - don't overfeed them.

To help worms devour waste, break down into small pieces.

Ensure moisture levels are maintained.

Lastly, when it's time to use your worm juice in the garden, dilute it 10-to-1 with water.

Check with your local council as to whether or not they have a Worm Farm and/or composting incentive scheme, as you may be able to get some cash back in your pocket after purchasing a worm farm.

To purchase yourself a Worm Farm from Gardening Central, click here.

Related articles:
Organic Gardening
Waste Not, Want Not