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My worm farm

Earlier this year I saw a tv program on worm farms; the idea caught my fancy and so in mid June, after ordering a bin made from recycled plastic, I started my own.

Worm bin from recycled plastic
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Tiger worms
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Worm food - mixture of kitchen waste and newspaper
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This is the bin; a modified compost bin with small holes drilled in it to let air in, (but too small for rats). It stands in the shade and is raised off the ground; the tray on which it stands has holes in it to catch liquid draining off from the bin. (This liquid can be used as is as a root soak, or diluted to spray on plants as a foliage feed.)

Next to the bin pic are the worms - Eisenia Fetida, commonly known as Tiger worms or Red Wrigglers. They only live in compost, and will not survive in ordinary soil. I got around 3 thousand with the bin; when you start the farm you build them a bed, and then pile organic kitchen waste on top.

The pic on the far right is of the organic waste the worms feed on. Mine is mainly kitchen waste. These worms eat most things from the kitchen; although you should avoid putting citrus, oily things, meat and dairy products in the bin. Crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, used teabags and newspapers are all okay.

Why do I bother?

  • It is an easy way to recycle organic waste from your kitchen and garden.
  • It produces great compost in 2 forms: worm castings, or vermicompost and the liquid produced by the worms. This enriches the soil.
  • It is very little trouble to maintain, and odourless.
  • Earthworms are fascinating creatures!
  • Useful links

    Vermicomposting map and community

    Worm woman website