A few years ago when we lived in a lovely upper duplex with beautiful mouldings, hardwood floors and a delicious claw-foot bathtub but no back yard, we had a worm composting box in our kitchen. All winter long we fed those red wigglers our coffee grounds, shredded newspaper and kitchen scraps. And they ate like pigs, turning our green waste into dark black compost.
Now we have a yard with a composting bin in the back and a lot of creepy crawlies doing our work for us. But my friend Emeline, over at cochonetrouge, has been using a worm composter for the first time this winter and kindly answered my questions about her family’s experience.
Why did you start composting with worms?
I was too lazy to go outside! All jokes aside, our outdoor composter was filled to capacity and we wanted a winter alternative. So we researched a bit and got our worms and starter bin through the R4 program at Concordia University.
How does it work?
We have a bin under the kitchen table that has the worms. I feed them about once a week, and line the top with some newspaper to make sure the environment doesn’t get too damp. I was told not to go in there very often, but I can’t resist. I love seeing them. We have little baby worms and big mama worms… it’s really fun to watch.
What do you feed them?
All my vegetable/fruit kitchen scraps. Except for citrus and onion. Worms no likey citrus and onions. No meat, no dairy, no grains, no fats.
Does it smell?
Nope.
Do the worms escape?
We’ve had maybe 3 or 4 escapees. They’re serving life without parole.
What are you going to do with the compost?
Not sure yet, maybe use it for some seedlings if we can get a little greenhouse project up and running. If not, we’ll use it in the flower and veggie beds this summer.
you’re too funny! “as the worms turn”- I should get you to write the titles of my posts!
Great interview! I don’t know if I could sleep at night with a pile of worms in the kitchen, though!