TYPE OF WORMS USED IN VERMICOMPOST

The worms used in vermicomposting are called redworms (Eisenia foetida), also know as red wigglers, manure worms, red hybrid or tiger worms.

This is how the worms look like...


This is a picture of Redworms



This is a picture of Tiger Worms

Why do you use redworms for vermicompost?
This is because, redworms prefer temperatures between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit and are suited to living in a worm bin. The temperature of the bedding should not be allowed to get below freezing or above 84 degrees.

You are advised not to use nightcrawlers... Why???
because, these worms depend on cooler temperatures and an extensive tunneling system to survive. They will die in your worm bin.
This is how nightcrawlers looks like. You better make sure you don't use the wrong worms.

WHAT IS VERMI COMPOSTING?

Composting is the only the first step in the process of breaking down organic matter. Earthworms finish this process. By feeding on the microrganisms which feed on organic waste, earthworms convert “garbage” into a nutrient rich substance which provides many benefits to plants. Through vermicomposting we contribute to soil preservation and waste reduction.

Vermicomposting involves mixing a bedding substance, such as shredded newspaper, compost manure, a small amount of soil, organic matter, and moisture. Once added, the worms will need to be fed organic matter. but they do not have to be fed daily. Perhaps, you can feed them weekly as their food can last for a long time.

Over a short period of time (usually 2 – 3 months) the worms will break down the organic matter in the vermicomposting unit, and leave behind nutrient rich "castings". These castings are the best imaginable soil amendment for your plants, but worms cannot tolerate too high a concentration of castings. After this period of time the worms will need to be transferred to fresh bedding.

Well, now i'm going to explain to you briefly on how to make your own vermi compost. Firstly, you are suppose to prepare a container to place our compost in. According to my experience on the vermi compost actvity that was being carried out by my team and myself, we found out that newspapers will give you the most satisfiying product. Hmmmm..... must be because the worms love to eat newspapers... Moving on, after you have prepared your container, if you were to use newspaper, you are suppose to tear them into small pieces and soak them in a pail of water. Next, you are suppose to put the soaked newspapers into your container followed by garden soil. Last but not least, add in the worms. I would advice you to put in aroud 20 worms in each container. After you are done, you are suppose to close the container. REMEMBER to water the worms every 2 days once and you have to check if they are sill alive or DEAD!!!

Here are some pictures on ways to carry out vermi compost... This project was done by my group members.


The containers given to us to be used for this vermi compost project...


First of all, we measure the organic materials after we were provided with containers


We were weighing the worms...


One of the group members putting in the organic materials into the basket and weighing them...


One of the group members and me... tearing the leaves into small pieces and weighing them...

Our 1st Talk On Vermi Compost

On the 3rd of July 2010,8 students from St. George's Girls School were choosen to take part in the Vermi compost activity that was organised by the USM team. 4 of us were from Form 6 while the other four are from Form 4. We went there with our school's biology teacher, Pn. Neoh and Miss Linda. We were briefed on what vermi compost is and we were given a chance to prepare our own compost. Each school was given 10 baskets and each basket was supposed to be filled in with vegetables, newspapers, and leaves. Most of you might be thinking how is this process carried out? Keep on following this blog and i'll tell you how is vermi compost carried out by us in my next post...


One of the lectures, briefing us on vermi compost...


Each student is given this book to record our observation on our own vermi compost


All the things given to each school to carry out our vermi compost project

SGGS VERMICOMPOST