Now that spring is here, it's time to turn over the compost heap out back. After this long, cold winter - all the kitchen waste and leafy matter has added up.
Patience is key with any compost. Yet some want to use ways to quicken the process. Compost acceleration methods have always made me think that we tamper too much with natures own, natural methods. But one definite accelerator that are natural: worms. Red Wigglers (
Eisenia fetida) to be precise. These self sustaining, perpetually reproducing, munching machines, break down compost like nothing else. Their worm castings create vermicompost; a richer, porous, mixture that will add more nutrients and microorganisms to your garden.
Here, kitchen waste takes weeks to become fertile compost during the spring and summer months.
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| Red Wigglers can withstand freezing temperatures, but they do need a warm core to keep active to break down your kitchen waste. A good pile of compost needs to be present overwinter, to keep these "munchers" going. |
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| Once compost is ready to be used in the garden, don't fear taking some red wigglers with the compost. They will be happy in your garden as well. They reproduce rapidly during the warmer months, as long as they have more organic matter added, plenty of moisture and a good turn over every few weeks. |
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| Don't forget to add a brown layer every once in a while, to help enhance the final product. |
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| After mixing the compost, add about 1/3rd layer of brown organic matter (leaves, twigs..etc) to the top and firm down, especially in the cooler months of spring. This helps the worms to crawl back towards the centre (warmest part) of the compost pile. Continue to add your kitchen compostable waste and let the process continue. |
If you want to purchase Red Wigglers for your compost heap, you can order them from:
Worm Composting Canada
