Worm Composter

I probably wouldn't normally post about something so similar to the last one, but this really is a lot of fun...

I got a worm composter awhile back.  This was actually really easy to keep inside, if the the thought of worms living (contained) inside doesn't totally gross you out :)  And, if you have kids, they are bound to think this is much cooler than normal composting.

I bought mine from hayneedle.com, but I think this one is pretty similar:




Essentially, you receive this contraption along with some directions, a coir brick, and some shredded paper.  You have to procure your worms separately, and they cannot be earthworms, bloodworms, etc. They MUST BE "red wriggler worms."  (The 1800 count from Sun Joe is a relatively good deal.)  I've also heard that these can be bought from some bait shops, but I haven't seen them at one yet.

Once you receive all your worms and composter, you can get started!  You will need some kind of paper or newspaper (most mail advertisements work great) to moisten and place it on top of your "compost" material, which can include: paper, magazines, cardboard, dryer lint, tissues, egg carton, vegetables, fruit, starches, coffee, egg shell, tea bags, flowers, leaves.

As the worms eat their way through the compost, they will make their way upward, as you slowly add on additional levels.  The worms will reproduce quickly and break down all your waste!  Each tray typically ends up with a good amt of compost material for your garden, and you also get "worm tea" in the bottom (hence the spigot), which is great for your plants, when diluted with water.

If you try this out, I hope you have as much fun with it as we did!  My husband has been begging me to set it back up since we moved :-D