A Worm factory 360 makes worm composting quick and easy.  A great way to turn kitchen scraps and paper waste into nutrient rich compost.

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Worm Factory 360 reviews describe its popularity as being attributed to several factors such as the ease of getting it set up and ready to go, the fact that it is portable and that it comes with comprehensive instructions.

Using the Worm Factory 360 is an easy way to get a nutrient rich fertilizer, from using worm castings. Worm castings are the end result of composting with worms and can be used in garden beds and potted plants as a fertilizer and soil improver.

The worm Factory 360 compost bin comes in choice of three different colors, black green and terracotta  to suit your garden decor.

You don’t need to have a large backyard for worm composting as the worm factory can be used in a patio or courtyard and is suitable for using in an apartment.  This makes it highly versatile and another feature is that it is easy to move to another location.  This is a bonus particularly for those people who may need to move house as it can be dismantled easily and set up elsewhere. It may even need to be moved to a different part of the house and that can be easily done.

Worm composting is something that people of all ages can take part in, children can help maintain a worm factory and it is also good for elderly people as there is no heavy work involved such as turning a regular compost pile.

One definite advantage of using a worm factory 360 is that it is odorless.  As the word ‘compost’ is often associated with having a smell this will make everyone happy, even the neighbors.

The worm factory instruction manual shows how to set up the factory ready for use. The upkeep is minimal and maintenance is easy something that we are all looking for.
Some people worry about how much food they need to give to the worms and whether the worms will be too hot , too cold etc.  Click here for some tips on composting with worms.

Features of the Worm Factory 360 

• it uses a a thermo siphon air flow design which increases the composting speed

• it is much faster than traditional composting methods

• it can be used inside or outside

•  dimensions are 18 x 18 x 15 inches

• there is no smell so can be used anywhere

• it is easy to add another tray for the worms to migrate to a new food source, leaving the compost behind

• has a standard 4-Tray size which is expandable up to 8 trays, giving it the largest volume of any home composter

• includes an instructional DVD with step-by-step guide

• a built in “worm tea” collector tray and spigot for easy draining

Worm factory composting is an efficient way to use food scraps that would otherwise be thrown away with the garbage.  By composting food scraps using the worm factory the waste is broken down by the worms and the end result is a great product that can be used to fertilize plants.  The spigot at the bottom of the worm factory is another source of valuable fertilizer in a liquid form.

Composting with is good for the environment as it reduces landfill and provides an organic fertilizer which is ultimately going to improve soil and produce.

It also comes with a 20 year warranty which provides peace of mind so if you are looking for a worm farm you may like to consider the Worm Factory 360.

Composting with worms or vermicomposting can be undertaken year round, indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile choice suitable for all gardeners and gardens of all sizes.

Worm composting need not only be for those with gardens as composting with worms using a worm farm or worm factory as they are sometimes called, is also a suitable composting choice for apartment dwellers.

What do you want to know about composting worms?

The most commonly used composting worms are called Red Wigglers (Eisenia Fetida sometimes spelt Foetida). Red Wigglers may just become your new besties as they chomp their way through mountains of organic kitchen scraps and reward you with nutrient rich worm castings to use in the garden, potted plants or the vegetable patch.

Click here for Red Wigglers

How many composting worms?

Red Wigglers are very busy worms; they can consume half their body weight daily in organic food scraps. How do you decide how many you need for your worm farm?

This takes a little bit of preparation. For one week, weigh the amount of organic waste you would normally dispose of. If you are unable to weigh the waste just give it your best estimate, then whatever the weight or estimated weight of the disposed waste, double it to get the number of earthworms you will need. So, if you average one pound of waste a day over the period of a week you will need two pounds of earthworms.

The worms will multiply but interestingly are able to self regulate to the space provided so the worm farm won’t become overcrowded.

 How to look after composting worms?

Composting worms will positively thrive with lots of organic matter particularly fruit and veggie scraps from the kitchen. Other items suitable for a worm’s menu include finely crushed egg shell, tea leaves and coffee grounds and even a small amount of grass clippings.

Foods best avoided are meat and dairy products and also onion, tomato and garlic.

It is not necessary to feed the worms every day, every few days is fine.  With experience you will be able to judge how much to feed the worms.  Don’t overload the worm bin with food as it won’t be able to cope and may become rather smelly.  If that happens just hold off adding any more food until the situation rights itself again.

Ideally any food should be in reasonably small pieces so that the worms can easily process the food as this will speed up the composting process.

An interesting idea is to freeze the scraps so that the defrosted scraps are softer and easier for the worms to digest. Just as a compost bin requires a balance of carbon rich and nitrogen rich materials to operate efficiently, worms also require carbon. Carbon is obtained from materials such as dry leaves or paper products such as shredded newspaper or cardboard in small amounts and moistened with water.  These materials along with bedding material will form the mainstay of the food source for the worms.

 How do Red Wigglers make compost?

As mentioned earlier, Red Wiggler worms consume large quantities of organic material. As they ingest food and extract the nutrients they expel the residue as worm castings. Worm castings are what you definitely want, they are very rich in nutrients, they retain water and release the nutrients in a form easily available for plants. Worm castings can be mixed into potting mix or used mulch and scattered around the base of plants and even on the lawn.

Purpose manufactured composting worm farms have a spigot located near the bottom to collect the juice  which is in itself a valuable fertiliser.

Interesting fact about Red Wigglers

Red Wigglers don’t burrow like ordinary garden earthworms and tend to stay near the surface, however they don’t like light and when added to the bin they will burrow into the bedding to escape the light.  An often asked question is – Do the worms escape? They do tend to stay put however may try and escape when first added so keeping a light source nearby will ensure that the worms burrow to escape the light and not their new home.

 Get your composting worms here

Kitchen composters are designed to hold kitchen scraps primarily from fruit and vegetables in a hygienic manner until you are ready to add the contents to the compost bin or compost pile.

Why do I need a kitchen composter?

Two issues that arise frequently when using an ordinary plastic bucket are the smell and those annoying fruit flies. The smell is not pleasant so in order to avoid this, the bin needs to be emptied often. This can be a nuisance if the compost pile is a long way from the kitchen. Purpose designed composters have a filter which helps to eliminate any smells and thus less frequent trips to the compost pile are needed. The filters are replaceable and are purchased in packs. Fruit fly can be difficult to control so make sure the compost crock has a lid that seals well and ensure the lid is always on.

Are you looking for a bamboo, ceramic, stainless steel or plastic kitchen composter? Compost bins for the kitchen come in many different designs and sizes to suit any kitchen decor. Some are designed to be left  on the kitchen counter top and others in a cupboard, most often under the kitchen sink.

Exaco Trading ECO-2000 2.4 Gallon Kitchen Compost Waste Collector

• 9.6 Quart Capacity
• Removable Lid with replaceable Activated Charcoal Filter
• Dishwasher safe
• lots to allow to attach under the Cabinet out of sight

This kitchen composter is a perfect place to put your left over items that are for the compost pile or Bin. Activated Charcoal keep the smells down so fewer trips are needed.

A review of this kitchen composter ”Excellent product and was delivered promptly. The size allows me to reduce the number of trips I have to make to our compost pile. I sometimes don’t empty the container for 3 days and it has never emitted an odor. In addition, it’s light weight, making it easy to carry even when filled to the brim. Once emptied, I give it a quick rinse and it’s ready to go. The only thing I would have preferred is a choice of colors, but that’s not a major issue since everything else about the product is great!”

Norpro 1 Gallon Stainless Steel Compost Keeper

• Measures 10.5 by 8 by 8 inches
• Durable stainless-steel construction; attractive satin finish
• Charcoal filter provides odor-free use for up to 6 months
• Use replacement filters 94F.
• Easily clean with warm soapy water

Keep food scraps in this odor-eliminating container before transferring them to an outside compost bin or compost pile. This kitchen composter is ideal for egg shells, fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and more, it is easy to carry with a stainless steel handle.  In addition, the unit’s tight-fitting lid holds a charcoal filter for odor-free use for up to six months. The container fits under the sink, but with its durable stainless-steel construction and beautiful satin finish, it’s attractive enough to leave out on the countertop. The surface cleans quickly with a soapy sponge.

Norpro 1 Gallon Ceramic Compost Keeper, White

• Stylish 1 Gallon Ceramic Compost Keeper in White
• Stores vegetable peelings, egg shells, coffee grinds and more until ready for transfer to outdoor composter
• Includes odor preventing charcoal free filter in the lid that will last up to 6 months
• Use replacement filters #93F, that are charcoal free and can be rinsed.
• Easily clean with warm soapy water

Norpro’s Ceramic Compost Keeper, store peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds and vegetable scraps for transfer to your garden composter. Includes charcoal free filter in lid to keep compost odorless. Is available in white, as shown, and red. Measures 10.5 inches x 8 inches, width x diameter. Use replacement charcoal free filter 93F.

Full Circle FC11301 Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Collector

• Oxygen enters through unique wind-flume system, allowing for aerobic breakdown of your kitchen waste thus no filters required
• Less mess, odor and no flies
• Includes 5 compostable bags

Fresh Air  Odor-Free  Kitchen Compost Collector- Goodbye horrible smell and fruit flies. Say hello to the Fresh Air compost collector. Unlike sealed containers, the Fresh Air allows oxygen to easily flow through your organic kitchen waste, allowing for aerobic breakdown. This means that food decomposes more slowly and stays drier during the composting process.

If you are really serious about using kitchen waste in a compost bin or compost pile, invest in a kitchen composter that is specifically made for the job.  They are inexpensive and definitely worth the investment.

Having a compost pile that works well is something that many home gardeners aspire to as they know that one of the secrets to having a thriving healthy garden is dependent on the health of the soil. The end result of composting is humus, a dark crumbly mixture which improves the quality of the soil encouraging earthworms for soil aeration, assisting with water retention and adding vital nutrients. This in turn assists with growing healthy plants which will resist disease. All in all composting at home is a worthwhile exercise.

 Having a healthy compost pile is quite manageable for a home gardener as long as a few basic steps are followed.

1. The location

When choosing a location the main requirements are space, the pile needs to be at least 4ft x 4ft, near a water source is possible and on flat ground. It is best not to place the pile directly under a tree as the roots of the tree may interfere with the pile. Consider your neighbors when working out the best place for the pile. Under eaves is not a good idea as it may be too dry and avoid making against any wooden structure as rot may occur in the structure. Ideally the pile should not be too far from the house so that you don’t have to walk a mile with the kitchen scraps.

2. What can go into the pile?

Materials for the compost pile are broadly divided into two categories, green or nitrogen rich materials and brown or carbon rich materials. Green materials include fruit and vegetable peelings, lawn clippings, plant cuttings, hair and coffee grounds. Brown or carbon rich materials include dead leaves, twigs, paper, hay, dried plants and woody cuttings.

3. What not to do.

Don’t add meat or fatty products to the compost pile.

Don’t add large amounts of any one material to the pile as it may clump together and result in a smelly situation.

Don’t allow the pile to become too dry or too wet, damp is fine.

Don’t put food scraps onto the top of the pile, make sure they are buried otherwise the pile may attract unwanted visitors in the form of small animals or rodents.

Don’t compost human, cat or dog waste; all contain pathogens that are not safe for humans.

4. Get great results.

Turn the contents regularly using a pitchfork or a compost aerator. This will help break up any matted materials and also allow oxygen in to the pile which helps with the decomposition process.

Ensure that the size of the materials is reasonable, the smaller the size, the more surface area for the microorganisms to work on. Paper should be shredded or torn.

Constructing the pile

Start with a layer of carbon materials about 4’ to 6’’ thick, then add nitrogen rich materials. Animal manure from a grain eating animal is fine to use in the compost pile although horse manure can contain seed. Add a layer of soil or if it is available a layer of compost assist with accelerating the composting process. Alternatively use some commercial compost starter.Turn the pile as described above and continue layering and turning until the pile is completed. You don’t need to get too technical about the construction but do remember to layer the ingredients, have a reasonable uniform size of product, keep the pile damp and turn regularly.

Now after all that hard work sit back and wait for the results or if you are really keen, start another compost pile. You are bound to be hooked on composting now.

In the last few years backyard composting has become a way of life for many householders. There are some tools that do make composting easier and this article will describe the benefits of using a compost aerator.

Click here to see prices for compost aerators

Firstly what are the benefits of aerating a compost pile? When is the best time to aerate a compost pile and what about different types of aerators? Are some better than others? Read onto find the answers to these questions and more.

Benefits of aerating the compost

For the compost pile to decompose properly and produce the lovely moist crumbly compost to use in the garden the compost pile must have oxygen. Aerating the pile by turning the contents is the best way to increase oxygen into a compost pile or compost bin. Turning the heap will expose more surface area of the material which will in turn reheat and break down.

Sometimes materials in a compost pile can become matted. This is particularly the case if too many green materials have been lumped into the bin for example, green lawn clippings which after mowing the lawn are sometimes added to the bin in large quantities. Turning the pile will help to break up this mass of material and distribute the contents more evenly.

How to aerate the compost pile

This can be done with a shovel or pitchfork. In the past I have emptied the contents of the bin, shoveled it and returned it to the bin. This is hard work and a chore that I repeatedly put off doing. It is easier to use a compost aerator which is specifically made for the purpose. There are several on the market but essentially the look like a pole with wings near one end. The compost aerator is thrust right into the centre of the pile and then as it is lifted and turned the folded wings at the bottom open and turns the contents thus allowing oxygen into the pile. This is still not always an easy task but infinitely easier than the shovel method.

The other type of aerator commonly seen resembles a giant corkscrew and works as would be expected by turning and lifting the contents. After using the aerator rinse the wings under a tap and care for as with any other garden implement.

When to aerate the pile

Once a week is a good rule of thumb for turning the compost and easy to remember. When turning the compost it is a good opportunity to check the moisture levels and add a little water if the compost is too dry.

Different types of aerators

There are many different brands of aerators but most feature either the folding wings as described above or a corkscrew motion which lifts the compost. Both work very well and do most of the work, apart from some muscle power that will be required by you. Think of the nice toned arms you will have.

Why aerate the pile?

The main reason for using a compost aerator is to do as the name suggests, aerate the compost. This will speed up the composting process by allowing oxygen to reach the centre of the compost pile. Compost piles can be heavy and difficult to turn which make the compost aerator a very useful garden tool.