Some time ago I mentioned the gift I received from my husband of a worm farm! I got it set up in the winter and have been using it to create compost ever since! The amount of time needed for the worms to transform the kitchen scraps into compost varies depending on the number of worms you have and the temperature of the worm trays. After several months it was finally time for me to add another tray.
When the first tray is nearly full you want to add a new tray. The worms have an upward migration. There needs to be enough room to add a new tray directly on top of the existing tray. To create the new tray add some bedding to the bottom. Then add your food. Place the damp newspaper on top and place your lid on top. The new tray is placed directly on top of the old tray.
New trays can be added when worms are moving in the highest tray. Always add food to the top most tray and never add new food to the processing trays.
In the final stage of the worm farm all four trays will be in use. The top tray is full of new food without much decomposition.. The other trays are known as the processing trays, you can see that the dirt is very dark and most of the food is broken down. In the bottom tray will be the finished compost, it is dark and moist and crumbles in your hand.
Vermicompost contains 5x more nitrogen, 7x more phosphorus and 11x more potassium than ordinary soil. There are many ways to use the soil, mix 2 parts potting soil to 1 part vermicompost. You can also use it as a fertilizer just adding a little bit around the base of your plants. The liquid or leiche can be used as a liquid fertilizer as well.
I still have two more trays to add before my worm farm will be in full operation. I am pleased with the progress however. My worms are still alive and they are doing a wonderful job of taking our kitchen scraps and turning them into beautiful compost!
Linked To: TuesdayGardenParty, WildcraftingWednesday, OutdoorWednesday, GardenTuesday, FreshFoodsWednesday, CleverChicksBlogHop, HomesteadBarnHop, TuesdaysWithATwist, TheBackyardFarmingConnection
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