by A W Drake

Created on: March 22, 2009

A garden wormery can recycle organic household waste and turn it into good quality compost and liquid feed. In the UK about 30% of all waste can be recycled in this way instead of being thrown into already overburdened landfill sites. In return for doing your bit for the environment, a garden wormery will reward you with rich worm cast compost (Vermicompost) and a liquid plant feed (leachate) that can be used anywhere around the garden.

Garden wormeries now come in many designs but the standard model is essentially a sealed unit that looks something like a bin, and inside contains a perforated removable platform. On this platform are placed the worms and the kitchen waste.

There are three types of worms suited to the garden wormery; tiger worms (Eisenia andrei), red worms (Eisenia foetida) and brandlings (Dendrabeana venera). Whereas ordinary garden earthworms would not survive inside a garden wormery, these three worm species will thrive. They are surface dwellers and can munch their way through a surprising amount of waste. The tiger worm for instance (possibly the best worm for the wormery) will eat more per body weight than any other worm. It is also more tolerant of wider temperatures, moisture and acidity conditions, and they are prolific breeders.

A new garden wormery kit will usually include its own worms but the right kind of worms can also be found in compost heaps. Tiger worms can be distinguished from ordinary earth worms amongst compost by their distinctive striping. They are also very wriggly if you try to pick one up. Fishing accessory shops also sell these kinds of worms for bait.

Getting your wormery started couldn't be simpler. Place a sheet of newspaper onto the perforated level inside the wormery and then add some moist shredded newspaper. On top of this place a small amount of clean compost then the worms, and then add just a few handfuls of kitchen waste. Leave the lid of the garden wormery open for around ten minutes to encourage the worms to dig into the compost.

The compost you add to the garden wormery needs to be clean because ordinary compost could contain tiny insect eggs or larvae. Although these insects won't do any harm, it can be unpleasant to be met with a waft of tiny white flies each time you open the wormery. Because the wormery provides a hygienic method to create compost and liquid plant feed, it can be stored just about anywhere, even indoors. However, if your garden wormery emits flies each time it is opened, this will limit

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