Image via WikipediaDigesters
Vermicomposting has fans
Although many consumers feel squeamish about adding worms to their compost piles, vermicomposting has received a significant amount of media attention as a solid eco-friendly option. One advantage of this method is that it can be used indoors to compost food scraps. However, consumers will need to buy a batch of worms (typically either red earthworms or red wigglers) to get started. You can construct your own worm bin with instructions found online, but you can also buy a ready-made vermicomposting kit that will come with instructions.
Related SearchesOf the vermicomposters we've found, the Triformis Can-O-Worms
(*Est. $130) has received the most positive reviews. The Can-O-Worms is a multi-level bin made of 100 percent recycled plastic. It stands on five plastic legs and has a tap in the bottom for use in draining the liquid compost, or "worm tea." The Triformis Can-O-Worms can be placed either indoors or outdoors, but it should be kept at a temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the worms healthy. There's some extra cost involved with purchasing the red wiggler worms (*Est. $30 for 1,000 worms), but since the worms will reproduce and multiply their population considerably, this is likely only a one-time expense. The Can-O-Worms comes with coir (coconut husk fiber) to use as bedding for the worms, but shredded newspaper will also work. The worms subsist on kitchen waste, much of which isn't suitable for an outdoor compost pile.
(*Est. $130) has received the most positive reviews. The Can-O-Worms is a multi-level bin made of 100 percent recycled plastic. It stands on five plastic legs and has a tap in the bottom for use in draining the liquid compost, or "worm tea." The Triformis Can-O-Worms can be placed either indoors or outdoors, but it should be kept at a temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the worms healthy. There's some extra cost involved with purchasing the red wiggler worms (*Est. $30 for 1,000 worms), but since the worms will reproduce and multiply their population considerably, this is likely only a one-time expense. The Can-O-Worms comes with coir (coconut husk fiber) to use as bedding for the worms, but shredded newspaper will also work. The worms subsist on kitchen waste, much of which isn't suitable for an outdoor compost pile.Out of 15 reviews at Amazon.com and eight at Epinions.com, most give the Triformis Can-O-Worms either a 4- or 5-star rating. Overall, owners say that they're very happy with its performance and value, describing this unit as well made and easy to use. The bin's weak point appears to be the spigot at the bottom; some users find it flimsy or messy to use, and one noted that it wore out completely after several years of use. One reviewer at Amazon.com and one at Epinions.com mention a problem with the worms escaping and drowning in the tray that collects the liquid compost. The Triformis Can-O-Worms takes up about as much space as a kitchen trash bin. Although the Triformis Can-O-Worms remains the best-reviewed vermicomposter on the market, in the past year it has been superseded in popularity by a newer type of indoor composter, discussed in the next section on electric kitchen composters
No comments:
Post a Comment