A wormery is a fascinating and efficient way to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. But how does it actually work? Let’s break it down step by step.
Mimicking Nature
Worms naturally thrive on the forest floor, where they break down fallen leaves and organic matter. Your wormery operates in exactly the same way. It’s a completely natural process, with the worms continuously working through layers of waste to create high-quality compost.
Managing the Liquid Waste
At the very bottom of your wormery, liquid waste collects. This liquid can be drained out using a small hole designed for this purpose. Be sure to pour it out regularly, as it makes an excellent natural fertiliser when diluted with water.
The Bottom Tray: Where It All Begins
The bottom tray is where you begin adding waste. Start with a layer of bedding, then add your organic waste. You may think it will fill up quickly, but don’t worry—worms are constantly breaking it down, reducing the volume significantly.
A healthy wormery will contain worms of all different sizes, actively working through the waste. Every single bit of compost in your kit has been processed by these hardworking creatures!
Moving to the Next Level
Once your first tray is full (which may take longer than you expect), it's time to add a new tray on top. The key is ensuring that the new waste layer touches the existing compost below. The worms will instinctively migrate upward through the holes to reach the fresh food.
Before sealing the new tray, place a moisture mat on top of the waste. Then, put the lid back on and let the worms continue their work. You can even add additional trays as the process continues.
Harvesting Your Compost
As worms migrate upward in search of food, they leave behind fully composted material in the lower trays. Once most of the worms have vacated the bottom tray, you’ll know the compost is ready. Simply remove the finished compost, use it in your garden, and place the empty tray on top to keep the cycle going.
A Continuous Cycle
Your wormery is a self-sustaining system that keeps working as long as you feed it and maintain proper moisture levels. By following these steps, you’ll have an ongoing source of rich compost while reducing household waste in an eco-friendly way.
Enjoy the process and happy composting!
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