Worms are Coming Home!!

During the past couple weeks in Science class, we set up a class worm compost bin. We have observed worms moving, studied their cocoons, and counted them to see if our worm collection grew. We also discovered that worms are great recyclers! They will eat plant leftovers and make a nice compost material that can be used on your house or garden plants. This week, your daughters have created a worm bin to go under your sink so that you can extend this experience at home!

Here's what can go in the worm bin:
-shredded paper products (not glossy pages or magazines)
-fruit and vegetable peels and trimmings
-egg shells
-tea bags
-coffee grounds and filters
-grains, beans, and breads (without butter, margarine, or mayonnaise)

What should not go in the worm bin:
-meat products
-dairy products
-oily products

Some tips:
Bury the food at least one inch deep to prevent odors and unwanted critters. Just lift a little bedding, add the food, and put the bedding back into place.
Try not to add too much of one kind of food, too many orange peels for example can add too much of a toxic chemical.
About once a week, mist the bin with water to keep it moist, just like worms like it underground. If it's too wet, add a little newspaper to soak extra moisture.
Worm composting (Vermicomposting) is not an exact science, please check on it occasionally and you may find that you have to adjust the amount of food you are adding. Your worms should be able to eat almost a half pound of food waste per day.