Are compost bins, supposed to be outside or are there some indoor ones?
I am far up north and our summers are warm but the winters are cold, so should my compost bin be inside? Compost bins are made of plastic right, will it not crack if it is outside in the cold winter? Is it safe to have a compost bin indoors, will the worms crawl away?
Vermicomposting
Through this method, red worms(Lumbricus rubellus) found in gardens— are placed in bins with organic matter in order to break it down into a high-value compost called castings. Worm bins are easy to construct (they are also commercially available) and can be adapted to accommodate the volume of food scraps generated.
Types of Waste and Waste Generators
Worms will eat almost anything you would put in a typical compost pile (e.g., food scraps, paper, plants). Vermicomposting can be ideal for apartment dwellers or small offices that want to derive some of the benefits of composting and reduce solid waste. It is frequently used in schools to teach children conservation and recycling.
Climate or Seasonal Considerations
Worms are sensitive to variations in climate. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight are not healthy for the worms. The optimal temperatures for vermicomposting range from 55 °F to 77 °F. In hot, arid areas, the bin should be placed under the shade. By vermicomposting indoors, however, one can avoid many of the problems posed by hot or cold climates. The primary responsibility is to keep the worms alive and healthy by providing the proper conditions and sufficient food.
Requirements
Vermicomposting has only a few basic requirements, among them: worms, worm bedding (e.g., shredded newspaper, cardboard), and a bin to contain the worms and organic matter. Maintenance procedures include preparing bedding, burying garbage, and separating worms from their castings.
Results
One pound of mature worms (approximately 800-1,000 worms) can eat up to half a pound of organic material per day. It typically takes three to four months for these worms to produce harvestable castings, which can be used as potting soil. Vermicomposting also produces compost or "worm" tea, a high-quality liquid fertilizer for house plants or gardens.
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/vermi.htm
Visit our blogs to find out more GREEN TIPS((: http://hyss-euphoria.blogspot.com/
They make compost bins that can work indoors or outdoors. The main issue is if you want to go outdoors in the cold winter to throw out your garbage. Check this site out
http://www.composters.com/compost-bins.php
References :
Vermicomposting
Through this method, red worms(Lumbricus rubellus) found in gardens— are placed in bins with organic matter in order to break it down into a high-value compost called castings. Worm bins are easy to construct (they are also commercially available) and can be adapted to accommodate the volume of food scraps generated.
Types of Waste and Waste Generators
Worms will eat almost anything you would put in a typical compost pile (e.g., food scraps, paper, plants). Vermicomposting can be ideal for apartment dwellers or small offices that want to derive some of the benefits of composting and reduce solid waste. It is frequently used in schools to teach children conservation and recycling.
Climate or Seasonal Considerations
Worms are sensitive to variations in climate. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight are not healthy for the worms. The optimal temperatures for vermicomposting range from 55 °F to 77 °F. In hot, arid areas, the bin should be placed under the shade. By vermicomposting indoors, however, one can avoid many of the problems posed by hot or cold climates. The primary responsibility is to keep the worms alive and healthy by providing the proper conditions and sufficient food.
Requirements
Vermicomposting has only a few basic requirements, among them: worms, worm bedding (e.g., shredded newspaper, cardboard), and a bin to contain the worms and organic matter. Maintenance procedures include preparing bedding, burying garbage, and separating worms from their castings.
Results
One pound of mature worms (approximately 800-1,000 worms) can eat up to half a pound of organic material per day. It typically takes three to four months for these worms to produce harvestable castings, which can be used as potting soil. Vermicomposting also produces compost or "worm" tea, a high-quality liquid fertilizer for house plants or gardens.
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/vermi.htm
Visit our blogs to find out more GREEN TIPS((: http://hyss-euphoria.blogspot.com/
References :
I have a small bin inside,like a little garbage bin, used for compost.When its full I empty it into a proper compost bin outside,where it is designed to be. I woudn't like to have a proper compost bin inside, not only will the worms crawl away, what about the cockroaches that always seem to be in them, and the smell, indoors,yuk.
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Usually compost needs to be humid
water goes in and it drains
so if it is inside it must be on a floor with a draining hole
Maybe you can have that in the basement or on a balcony
the best is in the garden in a shade like under a tree
or shaded place by having a roof
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AipYXT_2Inncd.19oS8vfyjsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070908054731AAgi49O
But there are some dry models for the kitchen
http://byderule.multiply.com/journal/item/3/_HELP_CHANGE_THE_WORLD
at the end of this page
References :
compost bins are made to be outdoors and in a sunny location,the worm's eat the organic material you give them and it is there castings(poop) that is what you put into the garden if in a proper container they will not crawl away
References :
Be careful putting your worm bins in the sun… That’s a good way to end up with boiled worms and cooked microorganisms. My farm operate with the bins in a garage during the summer and most bins moved to a basement area during the winter. The garage bins that stay in the winter have insulated sides and loose fitting styrofoam covers for the winter.
All bins need to have drainage. Letting bins get too dry is the biggest cause of decreased casting production and decreased breeding.
Kitchen bins do well because the temperature is uniform and they are handy enough to keep watered and drained. If you do have a purchased bin, be certain to empty the drainage tray frequently. If that liquid (leachate) turns rancid (septic) the microorganisms can be harmful to plants (and stink up the kitchen!)