Red wigglers

I have been a part of the Master Food Preserver program since 2012. We try not to waste food and preserve it at all costs. However, sometimes we do waste food. It has become a serious problem for the environment. It's estimated that 25% of our food goes to the landfill as waste. The result is greenhouse gases and methane all bad for mother earth.

When I heard this, I decided to do my part to save the world. With the help of my mentor, worm expert, UCCE Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver Zeal Stefanoff, I became a worm composter. Vermicomposting is the technical name.

I started vermicomposting two years ago. My simple two tote bin with worms has been composting about 5 lbs. of food waste a week. That is about 480 lbs. of food that did not go into the landfill. The bonus is that it has turned into worm castings a wonderful amendment to soil in my garden.

Why worm composting?

1. It takes up very little room. Can be done in the house, garage or outside. Cost is minimal.

2. It does not smell when done correctly the food is digested by the worms quickly. It is not like hot composting where the food must rot and takes time to breakdown.

3. Worms eat ½ their body weight each day. Your food waste is turned into worm castings for your garden in a short time.

My Worm Bins

I have made a simple two tote bin system. My only cost was to buy the red wiggler worms and two totes. I harvest my compost about every 3 or 4 months which I add to my garden.

This has been a learning experience and quite fun.  My grandkids think worms are great and so do I.  Who would have thought that worms could help reduce methane gas in the environment and help save the world?

Note from editor: For instructions on creating your own worm bin and caring for your wigglers, this publication from Oregon State University is a wonderful instructional manual. Composting with Worms