Wormeries Flashcards
What waste do you put in a wormery?
Kitchen waste
Small amounts of garden waste.
What does a wormery produce?
Nutrient rich compost
Concentrated liquid fertiliser.
What does a wormery usually consist of?
2 compartments.
The upper section is where the waste goes and the worms actively work
The lower section is a collection sump for the liquid.
What worms are used?
Brandling
Manure
Red
Tiger
Name the worm species
Eisenia foetida
E. andreii
Dendrabaena veneta
What is the difference between composting worms and earthworms?
Composting worms like decaying OM.
Earthworms are soil dwellers.
What does a composting worm look like?
Smaller, darker red.
what is the name of the common earthworm?
Lumbricus terrestris
what temperature is ideal for most worms?
18-25 degrees, they are most active in this temp and like moist conditions.
Where should you store a wormery?
In a shed or sheltered area of garden so they don’t get too cold in winter, or too hot in summer.
What pH do worms prefer?
between 6.5-7.0 and well ventiliated.
What living conditions don’t worms like?
extreme acidity and waterlogged.
How to use a wormery… 4 points.
Put 8cm layer of old compost or coir in bottom ( creates humid layer and they can burrow into it)
Add worms
Cover with 8-10cm of kitchen waste
Leave for 1/52 to allow worms to settle in.
How do the worms prefer their waste?
Small amounts cut into smaller pieces given often.
How can you give them their food?
Put a layer on top of compost of bury it within compost to create feeding pockets.
What should you do if they aren’t eating the waste?
Stop feeding them for a few dys until they work their way through the top layer.
Don’t add too much waste.
What should you compost for the worms?
Any raw vegetable Cooked leeks and garlic in small quantities. Any cooked vegetable Tea bags, egg shells, coffee grounds Small amounts of bread Limited amount of newspapers Shredded office paper Small amounts of garden waste, annual weeds Leaves Soft green material
What shouldn’t you give to the worms?
Glossy magazines Dairy products Fat/grease Meat/fish/bones (attracts pests) Large amounts of tough leaves/woody material
why shouldn’t you give tough leaves/woody material to worms?
slows the system down.
How do you maintain a wormery?
Only add water if it looks dry
Drain off liquid to avoid waterlogging
Occasionally fork through compost to check worms are present and healthy
How long does it take for the wormery to fill?
8-12 months, you must separate the worms before using the compost.
Where do the worms usually congragate?
in the area just below the top layer of food waste.
How would you re-start the wormery?
Remove the top 20cm layer.
What is the worm compost and liquid rich in?
Nitrogen N
Potassium K
What are some problems with a wormery?
Strong odours that attract flies
Conditions could become too acidic.
How would you stop a wormery from smelling?
Bury new waste into decomposed material, or cover with. a damp layer of newspaper.
Drain off excess liquid and add shredded card/newspaper.
How would you remedy an acidic wormery?
add a small dressing of calcified seaweed or calcium carbonate.
give examples of calcium carbonate to remedy an acidic wormery
Garden lime
Ground chalk
Ground limestone.
