Compost bin question?
So I was watching Wa$ted and they had a compost bin on there, but it was inside and they just had it in a plastic bin with some dirt and worms. I would like to start a compost bin as well and I was wondering what exactly you are not supposed to put in and if I only need dirt and worms to start it off. Also, what about maintenace? Any info will help. Thank you!
Compost answers
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5 Responses to “Compost bin question?”
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If you are describing a plastic bin, shaped like a barrel that has a handle for rotating it. Or just a plastic bin. (it is best you do this outside, you would not even need a container)
First add leaves or grass clippings or both, it does not have to be dirt. If you find some earth worms that would be great. But you do not need to. Now, out of your kitchen, you add discarded food. Such as fruit, veggies, egg shells etc. DO NOT ADD ANY MEAT/BONES OF ANY KIND.
This is not a garbage can, so do not throw plastic bags or glass, or fabric, or old shoes, etc.
And once a day, you turn it. You will notice that it feels warm. This is because the microorganisms are breaking down the discarded food, leaves, grass clippings and you will have dirt in about a short period of time. Then you use this for your plants, gardening.
Or if you have brothers like I do, who want what you have made, you can bargain with them for chores.
References :
I believe what you saw was "The Can of Worms". Many people get it mixed up with a compost bin which need to be outside.
References :
http://www.abundantearth.com/store/canoworms.html
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
tHIS BLOG MIGHT BE USEFUL FOR GREEN TIPS TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT>>(:
http://hyss-euphoria.blogspot.com/
References :
never put meat into a compost heap, but veg, paper and grass cuttings are good.
References :
Compost answers
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AipYXT_2Inncd.19oS8vfyjsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070908054731AAgi49O
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AipYXT_2Inncd.19oS8vfyjsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070908054731AAgi49O
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