Composting & Worm Farming
Composting and worm farming are effective ways of diverting organic 'waste' from landfill. At the end of the process, the organic products are great for use on gardens and as soil conditioners. Materials suitable for compost bins and worm farms include food scraps, small quantities of paper and cardboard and garden prunings.
Composting
Composting is a natural process whereby micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter into a rich, dark-brown humus, the organic component of soil.
Anything that was once a plant or animal can be composted, including: fruit and vegetable peelings, newspapers, grass clippings, weeds, tea leaves, coffee grounds, egg shells, old potting mix, dead flowers, and human and animal hair. Avoid placing meat or dairy products in your compost.
The composting process may take a period of weeks or months. To speed up the process you can:
- turn compost regularly to allow air in
- keep compost moist
- ensure compost is well drained
- reduce the size of organic materials put into your compost
There are many types of compost bins on the market, check your local hardware store, garden supplies store or environmentally friendly store.
Worm Farming
Worm farms are a great alternative to composting for people who live in units or courtyard blocks. Worm farms can be kept inside, outside, on the balcony or in the shed. Worms don't like to get too hot so put your worm farm in a spot where it will get some shade.
Worm farming is a fun way to turn your food scraps into a rich, soil-like substance called 'castings.' Worm castings are great for pot plants, growing seedlings, and for potting soils. The liquid produced by worm farms is full of nutrients and can be watered-down and added to pot plants.
Pet worms find small scraps of food easier to eat and quicker to digest. Mix scraps with water before feeding worms to speed up the process. If you're planning a holiday, feed your worms paper. It takes longer to digest.
Worm farms and worms are available from local suppliers, as well as online and some hardware stores.