Introduction：

To protect the environment and improve sustainable growing. Worm composting is an effective way to improve your soil quality. The definition of compost is ‘a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil.’ As worms eat compost, their waste (aka poop) creates an organic form of fertilizer called worm castings. Worm castings are widely regarded as the best fertilizer in the world. It replaces harmful chemical fertilizers and contributes to healthier gardens. Worm composting also helps reduce water consumption and reduces the amount of waste we send to landfill,This is an workshop that teaches you how to set up and maintain your own compost bin and worm farm.

This workshop will cover：

• What can be put in the compost pile
  
• How to DIY your own worm-composting container
  
• How to maintain your compost
  
• How to start your worm farm
  
• How to fed your worms

Step 1 - Identify Browns and Greens:

A successful compost pile consists of a balanced "browns mix" and "greens mix." 

Greens mix tends to heat a compost pile because they help the microorganisms in the pile grow and multiply quickly.

Browns mix is the food sources for all soil-dwelling organisms that will work with the microbes to break down the contents of your compost pile. Also, brown materials create a fluffy body which allows air to filter through the pile.

Make sure your compost pile contains both ‘browns’ and ‘greens’, a healthy compost pile should have more ‘browns’ than ‘greens’. Normally, the ‘browns’ than ‘greens’ ratio is 3:1 or 2:1.

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Step 2 - Don’ts

Do not add these to your compost

• Dairy
• Meats
  
• Bones
• Decease Plants
• Fats
• Plastics
  

Not only does it cause odours but it also attracts animals such as dogs, cats, and rats.

Step 3 - DIY compost bin

You can simply buy a deep plastic storage container or a large bin with a lid. Using a drill with a 2- or 3-inch hole saw, drilling holes on every side of the container as well as the lid. This is important for airflow and letting water in and out.

Source Meagen Mackenzie  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6aIg0MSDOE

Step 4 - Start your compost

1. Laying twigs or straw first, a few inches deep. This aids drainage and helps aerate the pile.
   
   
2. Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry. If you have wood ashes, sprinkle in thin layers, or they will clump together and be slow to break down.
   
   
3. Keep compost moist but not too wet. Water occasionally, or let the rain do the job.
   
   
4. Cover with the lid or anything you have – wood, plastic sheeting, carpet scraps. Covering helps retain moisture and heat, two essentials for compost.
   

TIPS:

• Shredding everything as small as possible will help the compost break down faster.
  
  
  
• Avoid using glossy paper and coloured inks.
  
  
• Animal manures include cow, horse, sheep, chicken, rabbit, etc. No dog or cat manure!
  
  
• To store kitchen waste until transfer it to compost bin, keep a container with a lid under the sink. A stainless-steel compost pail with a carbon filter or a ceramic model will cut down on odours.
  

Step 5 - Maintain your compost

• Turning and mixing the compost pile once every few weeks.
  
  
• If you find that your compost pile is not heating up, then you may need to add more green material to the compost.
  
  
• If you find that your compost pile is starting to smell, you may need to add more browns, mix it in well, and your pile should start smelling better.
  
  
• Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown colour, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles.
  

Step 6-DIY worm farm

Source：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mqb5vicCOc

Differences between a worm farm and a compost bin:

• A worm farm is consisting of at least two compartments whereas a compost bin only has one.
  
  
• Compost bin: Holes on every side.
  
  
• Worm farm: Drill holes at the bottom and only a single row of holes near the top of the upper compartment. The bottom compartment is for collecting the liquid. You can install a plastic faucet or keep as it is.
  

Step 7 - Start your worm farm

1. Apply your compost as bedding for the worms. If your compost is not ready you can also use shredded newspaper. Keep strips two to three fingers wide. Moisten newspaper with water and avoid making the paper overly soggy.
   
   
2. The appropriate bedding depth is about 6-8 inches.
   
   
3. Put your worms in and spread them out on the bedding. The common worm type for vermicomposting is red wigglers
   
   
4. Feed your worm with kitchen scraps. Dig halfway down on one side or in a corner and cover the food scraps. Once the food has mostly been consumed
   
5. repeat the process in a different area of the bin.
   
   
6. Add compartment if you want to be more productive.
   
   
7. Putting the worm compost to the soil to boost your plants.
   
   
8. Collecting the liquid known as worm wee from the bottom compartment. Mixing 1 part of the liquid and 10 parts of water and pour into the soil.
   

TIPS:

• Avoid using transparent containers when you DIY your worm farm. Because worms don’t like sunlight. 
  
  
• Worms like a warm and moist environment. Keep your worm farm in a shady place and move it indoors for winter.
  
  
• Chop up your kitchen scraps before feeding your worms.
  
  
• Fewer onions and oranges in the food scraps, otherwise it will be too acidic for worms.
  
  
• Don’t feed your worms with meat, bones, fresh grass, alcohol and salty food.
  
  
• Feed your worms only as much as they can consume.

More info：https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Earthworms#:~:text=If%20you%20want%20to%20raise,it%2C%20then%20add%20the%20worms.