Many of you know that I’ve developed a keen interest in creating good tilth for my garden this coming spring. I’m super jazzed about what I can do to foster a healthy biome in my own backyard.
Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn on Unsplash
Recently, I read how food waste contributes to global warming. And I started thinking. We do a decent job making sure our food waste gets into the compost bin and then to our local Knott Landfill Recycling Facility to be composted, and I feel grateful that we have this service here in Bend. However, when I gave it some thought, I realized that I wanted to be part of the entire process of building good soil. I want that hands-on experience.
But how do you compost in the middle of winter? You build a worm farm!
You know how it’s funny that you can be excited about an idea and plan for how to put it into action—and then things don’t quite go the way you plan?
OK, so first, I looked for someone in Bend who sells worms, and all those places were sold out. So, I went online (don’t hate me for that) and got my worms through Amazon. They were supposed to come in a week. They came in three days. And according to the instructions, they needed to be in their home right away. We weren’t ready. Grrr.
The good news is that we had the basic materials we needed. So, Michael and I diverted what energy we had left for the day and put the farm together.
It turns out it’s pretty easy. All you need is a container and two lids (one for the top and one for drainage), an electric screwdriver to put holes into the top and along the sides of the container, enough soil or compost to fill the container between 6-8 inches, and some torn up paper, preferably not newsprint with colored ads. You moisten that with enough water so that if you get a handful, it stays somewhat compacted. And that’s it. When the worms come in you just put them right on top of the soil and they will find their way. If you’re curious you can learn a lot more by going on (where else?) YouTube. Here is one video we found helpful.
That said, and as easy as it was, I found myself grumbling to myself as I ripped up paper. Then somewhere in the middle of the process, I remembered that this was a fun project. My attitude began to change.
I’ve fed them a couple of times now. At first glance, it seemed somewhat gross to be handling moldy food. But now, I think differently about it. Now, it’s just worm food. Funny how things can change like that.
Top Ten Benefits of Worm Castings
Adds organic matter.
Increases the ability of plants to take in nutrients.
Lowers or increases soil pH.
Improves soil aeration.
Helps soil absorb and hold water.
Provides needed nutrients in an available form.
Reduces soil compaction.
Reduces soil erosion.
Improves soil structure.
Reduces soil crusting.
~ Denise
