Learn more about vermicomposting

If you are interested in vermicomposting, here are some websites that describe how to make or buy these bins:

·         How to Make your own worm compost system: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Worm-Compost-System

·         Cheap and Easy Worm Bin: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm

·         How To Make Your Own Vermicompost Bin & Worm Farm: http://www.thegreenestdollar.com/2009/07/how-to-make-your-own-vermicompost-bin/

·         All About Worm Composting: http://www.worm-compost-bins.com/?tag=worm-bin

The worms are moving in?

You can make your own worm bin out of plastic containers or wood. Of course, you can also buy one. Don’t forget, because of our New England winters, you have to consider where your worm farm is going to be set up. Worms need a well-ventilated area such as a laundry room, garage, balcony, or under the kitchen sink. The bin should be placed on top of blocks or bricks or upside down plastic containers to allow for drainage. You can use the lid of the second bin as a tray to catch any moisture that may drain from the bin.

Have you ever used worms to help with composting?

There is another form of composting that I should mention. For those of you who may be interested, there is also vermicomposting. What is that? In one word: worms! Ick.  It seems that worms aid in the breakdown of organic material. Who knew that worms had a use beyond baiting Jack’s fish hooks?

There are special bins for vermicomposting and waste is typically broken down quickly with these bins. They are also great for producing compost tea – a liquid substance that occurs naturally when producing compost that is high in nutrients and really good for your garden.

Some towns offer discount on compost bins

I remembered seeing something on the Chelmsford’s town website about compost bins. They have both bins that I was looking at, AND FOR A DISCOUNT for town residents! The Earth Machine is $35 and the New Age Composter is $40 or $45 (two sizes are available). I also found these bins at various retailers for as much as $99!  No, thank you. High-ho, high-ho, it’s off to the town hall I go. One Earth Machine please.

When I talked to the Recycling Coordinator, she told me that towns, such as Chelmsford, offer these bins at an affordable price because towns benefit from the state negotiated pricing AND the town subsidizes the sale to local residents by selling the bins at below cost. Check with your town hall before buying one at full cost.

Connie's Bin

Based on my yard and the critters that visit, I narrowed down my selection to the Earth Machine. I talked to some folks in town and decided on the Earth Machine, because I don’t think we will fill it in one season. The lid comes off the top so I can dump the goods into it and there is a door on the front if I need to get into the gold at the bottom.  I can also push the bin over to separate the bottom of the bin from the top so I can get at the compost much easier. I could be wrong about how long it will take to fill it, but if I fill it faster than I predict, I can always get another one.

Earth Machine vs. New Age Composter

The Earth Machine holds 10.5 cubic feet, is round, 33” deep and 34” wide. It has a locking cover that can also be adjusted to let more air into the bin. There is a sliding door for removal of compost AND it is made from recycled plastic!! The New Age Composter holds about 30 cubic feet, is round and adjustable, comes in a 42” long cylindrical roll, and is between 30-34” high. This one is self-aerating and has a cone shaped base and cover. It is also made from recycled plastic!!!

I spoke to a couple of families about these bins. One family has both bins and alternates using the compost from one bin or the other each year. Another resident uses the New Age Composter and said she used zip ties to assemble it, because the ties that came with the composter kept breaking. A zip tie is a type of fastener that is typically made of plastic. Good to know!

Now it’s time to make my own decision.  Which type of bin would work for me?

Standing or Stationary Bin?

There are also standing or stationary bins that just sit in one spot. I’ve heard these are really good to use if you plan on making a lot of compost, because they are generally well-aerated. However, I also read that it might take a little longer for the compost to break down. There are lots of different types of standing bins, but I narrowed it down to the Earth Machine or the New Age Composter. They both have lids and can be tipped over to reveal the black gold in the Spring.