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.