Earthworms can be used for composting, turning organic waste into material that can be reused.
The environment is on everyone's minds these days as people try to reduce the impact of their carbon footprints. One way to contribute to the environment is through worm farms. Worm farms may also be referred to as vermicomposting. These farms are used to create compost in which organic material is transformed by worms into a fertilizer that can be reused. They can be used to compost throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors, according to cleanup.org. Does this Spark an idea?
Southern Ontario Farms
Worm farms can be used even throughout the cold winters in southern Ontario, Canada. Worm Composting Canada, based in Ontario, sells supplies, including worms, to those who want to start their own farms. The company can supply to the rest of Canada and even the U.S. as well if requested. Worm Composting Canada sells red worms, but a variety of earthworms can be used for farming as well.
How It Works
Once set up, worm farms work quickly. "Worms process food quickly, transforming food wastes into nutrient-rich 'castings.' Worm castings are an excellent fertilizer additive for gardens or potted plants," according to cleanup.org. The fertilizer created by the compost can be used for a variety of purposes including as a lawn conditioner and liquid fertilizer when mixed with water, according to the site.
Benefits
Worm farms reduce the amount of waste put in landfills, as "worms will eat most of your kitchen waste," according to cleanup.org. Because worm compost significantly reduces the amount of waste people send to landfills, contamination and greenhouse gasses are reduced as a result of vermicomposting as well, according to the website.
Starting Out
Several things are needed to start a worm farm, including a worm bin, bedding, waste material and worms, according to wormcomposting.ca. Earthworms are sensitive to light, so it is important that the container used is opaque, according to the website.
Feeding Worms
Once the farm is set up, the worms need to be maintained. Maintaining the worms is essential because if they are not kept properly they won't function properly either, leaving the worm farm unsuccessful. Worms can be fed non-citrus fruits, vegetables other than onions, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed egg shells, leaves, hair or shredded paper, according to cleanup.org. Worms cannot be fed things such as oily foods, meats, foods containing dairy, magazines, bread or garlic, according to the site.
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