Global Worming

If composting outside has you all hot and bothered this summer, consider the cooler indoor alternative of vermicomposting. Vermicomposting is composting with worms and is becoming increasingly popular with those interested in gardening, and minimizing their ecological footprint through a reduction of their waste stream.

To setup a home verimicomposing system, you can purchase a fancy model of worm composters available online, or you can make your own. The Environmentals created a great short film with some easy and entertaining instructions on how to build your own unit for garage, basement, or even under your kitchen counters in a few quick steps. Following their instructions and purchasing Red Wigglers online cost me less that $40 to get a home unit that nicely manages my kitchen scraps for a family of four each week.

There is virtually no odor (really!), and the compost produced is like magic for house and garden plants when used as a rich soil conditioner. For more detailed information on vermicomposting, check out these helpful books on worms, compost and a greener garden: Worms Eat My Garbage, The Complete Compost Gardening Guide and The Green Gardener’s Guide.