Vermicompost at Home

Why Compost?• Reduce trash• Save money on trash bags• Reduce landfill waste• Creates rich soil for gardening• Natural pesticide • Good for the Environment

Worms•Worms consume up to 50% of their own body weight in food each day• Red wigglers are the best compost worms• Buy them at a feed store, bait shop, or order online •Worms will reproduce

Supplies to Get Started

• Two plastic bins and one lid• Power drill to create holes in bin•Wood blocks in between bins• Bedding – Shredded paper, leaves, dirt•Worms – One pound approx $20• Gardening tool

Tips to Getting Started

•Worms can freeze and burn, keep between 40 to 90 degrees• Keep the bin in the shade outside, away from animals, or in the kitchen• Healthy vermicompost does not stink

What the Worms Can Eat

• Leafy greens• Potatoes• Non-acidic fruits and vegetables (tomatoes,

green peppers)• Low-acidity citrus (Organic – no pesticides) • Coffee grounds, coffee filter, tea bags• Rice• Paper – Non-glossy like cardboard and egg

cartons• Grits• Cotton• Eggshells

Never Give Them• Butter• Oil• Salad containing salad dressing• Eggs• Meat• Highly acidic fruits and vegetables (lemons, limes,

oranges)• Hot peppers• Salt• Animal waste• Plastic• Synthetic materials• Insecticides