Using earthworms is a great way to produce a fertilizer that will make your soil rich and more productive

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The wiggly, squiggly earthworms that every little boy likes to tease his sister with are good for something else as well. The earthworms, of which there are two varieties that are used, are great for worm composting.

So, let's find out how to make a worm bin and get started worm composting. It does not matter if it is winter or summer, a worm bin will work any time of the year.

Setting up the Worm Bin

A wood container is the best kind to use for a worm bin. This can be one you build yourself or a drawer from an old dresser or chest you are throwing away.

Drill holes in the bottom of your container for drainage. Placing a pan underneath will catch liquid fertilizer for plants. Set up the inside with strips of damp newspaper, straw that has been chopped up or fall leaves.

There should also be some sand - just a couple of cups - to allow the worms to be able to digest their food.

The number you put into your wooden box will depend upon the amount of waste you are planning to put in the box. The suggested proportion is for every pound of food per day, 2,000 worms are needed.

The food scraps need to be vegetable peels, egg shells that have been mashed, fruit skins, coffee grounds and tea bags. The scraps should be kept to this type of products since meat or grains will attract pests that you do not want.

When placing it in the box, scoop some of the bedding to the side, place the scraps in and cover them up with the bedding. This will keep flies away. Using the Compost

Using red earthworms, is a great way to compost and produce a fertilizer that will make your soil rich and more productive. It can be used for your house plants by mixing it with potting soil.

The placement of the compost on gardens by either mixing it in the soil or putting it on top of the soil will have great results. You will enjoy the healthier looking plants as they pull the nutrients from the soil.

The compost may also be spread on lawns to help condition the soil. Using this compost is an excellent way of maintaining a rich and fertile soil for growing practically anything.

The compost may also be used as mulch either in the garden or for your houseplants. Who would have ever thought this small creature that is blind, by the way would have such as huge role in the environment?

The earthworm loosens packed soil, dilutes toxins, takes care of organisms we cannot even see that will cause disease in plants and creates a compost that is one of the richest found.

All of this without the need for manufactured compost saves on the use of non-renewable resources of the earth by utilizing one of our natural resources that are plentiful.

Problems with Your Compost?

A common problem that turns people off the idea of creating an earthworm compost bin is the smell. But this can be eliminated by following a few simple steps. The most common reason for the smell is the compost does not have enough oxygen.

This can be taken care of quite simply. All you have to do is cut down on the amount of scraps you are putting in the bin. The food sits too long if there is too much. The worms have to have time to eat the waste.

Sometimes the bins will have too much acidic food placed in them especially if you are a big fruit eater. If your earthworms start to crawl up the sides of the bin, this may be a problem. Adjust the amount of citric peels you are using and adding a little garden lime will help immensely.

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The whole process of getting compost from your bin takes about two months. As long as you keep the scraps to a minimum, everything should be fine.

You cannot overload the earthworms or you will end up with a big mess. The process that it takes to end up with the rich dark soil you will use to help your plants grow and stay healthy will be worth the effort.