Venturing into vermicomposting is a fantastic strategy for recycling kitchen scraps while producing valuable compost for your garden. This guide outlines a straightforward method to construct your own vermicomposter using a system of three plastic totes.
Materials Required:
- Three robust plastic totes (Roughneck brand recommended for durability)
- A single lid for the totes
- A cooler drain or a similar drainage component
- A drill equipped with a quarter-inch bit
- Bricks or blocks to elevate the system
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preparing the Totes: Drill quarter-inch holes across the bottom of two of the totes for worm migration and drainage. Also, drill holes around the top perimeter of these totes for proper air circulation.
- Setting Up the Drainage: The third, undrilled tote will collect drainage. Install the cooler drain on the lower side of this tote. This setup allows for the collection of ‘worm tea’, a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer.
- Assembling the Vermicomposter: Stack the two drilled totes on top of the drainage tote. These upper totes will house the worms and serve as the composting area. Initially, add the worms, bedding, and food scraps to the top tote.
- Introducing the Worms: Transfer your worms into the top tote, along with their existing bedding and food waste. As compost accumulates, move the top tote to the middle, and the second tote becomes the primary composting site.
- Maintenance and Harvesting: Keep adding kitchen waste and bedding to the new top layer. The worms will naturally move upward to the fresh food, leaving behind rich compost in the lower tote. Harvest this compost for your garden once it’s full and worm-free. Regularly collect and use the worm tea from the bottom tote.
- Elevating the System: Place the entire setup on bricks or blocks for improved drainage and easy access.
Embarking on homemade vermicomposting with this three-tote system is not only effective but also eco-friendly and economical. It’s a fulfilling way to engage in sustainable practices and yield rich, organic compost for your garden. Feel free to tweak the system as you gain experience. Enjoy your composting journey and the lush garden benefits it brings!
