4-H vermicomposting

1
4-H vermicomposting

• A fifth-grade school
• enrichment program

2
Lesson 6 Worm Bin Harvesting

• Objectives
• Learn two methods of harvesting castings
• Review
• What items are necessary for vermicomposting to
  take place?

3
Review Worm Bin Contents
Worms Bedding (of shredded black and white
newspaper, paper bags, and cardboard Handful of
soil Food scraps (eggshells, coffee grounds,
fruits, and vegetables
4
Complete School Year Harvesting

• Place food scraps on only one side of worm bin
  for several weeks, which will cause most worms to
  move to that side of bin

• Harvest by removing castings from other side of
  bin

• Repeat process for other side of bin

5
Partial School Year Harvesting

• Turn worm bin over onto plastic sheet in strong
  sunlight or a bright light. Add new moist bedding
  to worm bin

• After 20 minutes, begin scraping off the top
  layer of castings

• Worms will continue to move away from the light,
  allowing you to scrape off an additional layer
  every 15 minutes

• After several rounds, you will find worms in a
  cluster as they continue to avoid light. Scoop up
  worms and gently return them to worm bin with
  fresh bedding

6
Worm Egg Cocoons
While harvesting the worm bin, look for worm egg
cocoons Worm cocoons are lemon-shaped and are
about the size of a match head They have a shiny
appearance and are light-brown in color Each worm
cocoon usually produces 3 baby worms
If any worm cocoons are located, place them back
inside the worm bin to hatch
7
Reflection

• Why is it important to harvest the castings on a
  regular basis?
• What can you do to reduce the amount of waste you
  produce?
• How would you convince friends and family to
  reduce their waste and vermicompost?