Since January 1, 2024, sorting bio-waste at source is an obligation.
83 kilograms per inhabitant per year of food waste (kitchen and table waste) can thus be easily recycled.
What is a worm composter?
The worm composter, or vermicomposter, allows organic waste to be recycled into compost thanks to the action of earthworms.
It generally consists of several bins stacked on top of each other and pierced to allow the worms to move from one level to another.
Each tray has its own function and receives organic waste according to its state of degradation:
fresh waste;
waste being digested by compost worms;
mature compost.
Finally, a final tray or tray collects the compost juice, called vermithe, a very concentrated liquid natural fertilizer.
What is the difference between a composter and a worm composter?
A composter transforms organic waste into compost under the action of micro-organisms.
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No use without permission.
A composter transforms organic waste into compost under the action of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
The worm composter recycles waste into compost under the action of earthworms.
Compact and odorless, it can be placed
indoors
, unlike a classic composter.
It is therefore particularly suitable for city dwellers who wish to be part of a permacultural approach.
Also readCompost: optimize organic waste to enrich your soil
The advantages of the worm composter
Vermicomposting can
reduce your organic waste by 30 to 50%
.
In addition, it allows you to convert this material into high quality fertilizer.
Furthermore, the worm composter is perfect for composting your waste if you live in an apartment.
In fact, it does not emit any odor.
Earthworms quickly transform organic matter into vermicompost, without giving them time to ferment.
It is also much smaller than an outdoor composter, and easily fits on a balcony or in the kitchen.
Equip yourself with a worm composter at the best price
Vermithe, liquid gold
Vermithe, or compost tea, comes from the water contained in waste.
Copyright (c) 2023 Hans Chr.
Danielsen/Shutterstock.
No use without permission.
Vermithe, or
compost tea
, comes from the water contained in waste (bio-waste is composed of 80% water).
It is collected at the bottom of the worm composter and can be used using a small tap.
Very rich in nutrients (nitrogen, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.), in fungi and bacteria, it is a
high quality liquid fertilizer
.
To use it, dilute it at least 1/10th when watering your plants, as it is very concentrated, and use it quickly.
Where to place a worm composter?
For the survival and well-being of earthworms, be sure to maintain your worm composter at temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C.
If it is placed
outside
, on a balcony for example, choose a location sheltered from the rain and semi-shaded, or even shaded.
In winter, protect it from frost with expanded polystyrene or a large blanket.
Also read: Don't touch the castings in your garden, it's a wonderful natural fertilizer!
How to use a worm composter?
To start, install litter in the bottom bin, made up of a 5 cm layer of green waste, pieces of moistened cardboard and a little mature compost.
Place your worms there and cover them with a light layer of organic waste.
Gradually place your waste in the upper bin, cut into small pieces so that it can be quickly assimilated by the worms.
Gradually place your waste in the upper bin, cut into small pieces so that it can be quickly assimilated by the worms.
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No use without permission.
You can compost:
fruit and vegetable peelings;
crushed eggshells;
coffee grounds;
various plants, pruning waste;
cardboard, without glue or ink;
nails and hair, if they are not varnished or colored.
On the other hand, absolutely avoid
garlic peelings,
as they are wormy, as well as onions, citrus fruits and all waste of animal origin.
Furthermore, as with compost, make sure to balance the nitrogen and carbon inputs.
Thus, three to six months after starting vermicomposting, you will begin to harvest stable compost, rich in humus and directly assimilated by plants.
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