January 8, 2008, Eating In

Who was the first ecclesiastical participant in the show “Fear Factor”? Martin Luther – he had a diet of worms!!!

As most people in north central Alberta already know, cold winter temperatures can drastically slow down the composting process to a standstill. Adding fresh kitchen scraps to the compost bin on frosty January days will become an effort in futility as the bits of vegetative waste freeze before biological decomposition can become initiated. Rather than storing the stagnating trash in lined containers for composting in the spring, many green gurus are giving vermicomposting a try.

Vermicomposting is simply the two-bit technical term that scientists give to the special procedure of using worms to help brake down organic materials. In this practice, special worms called red wigglers are added to the compost where they dine on the decaying vegetation. The worm poop, called castings are excellent for enriching the soil of indoor houseplants, as well as the more traditional outdoor gardens and flowerbeds

The red wigglers are especially suited to thrive in the warm moist conditions the compost pile provides. Substituting common garden earthworms will simply kill the earthworms, and leave the compost to decompose in a more traditional manner.

One of the biggest advantages to vermicomposting is that the entire operation is completely functional indoors. In fact the red wigglers would perish if they are exposed to sub zero conditions. Surprising as it may seem, the vermicompost itself does not produce noxious odors nor do the worms try to escape when the opportunity is presented, making this type of composting ideal for apartment dwellers and those who want to continue composting all year long.