Fun with worms... Vermicomposting at the Science Fair!

After a second grade research project on the brain and a third grade "Cookie Chemistry" experiment, we decided to roll up our sleeves for this year's science fair and do something to reduce our landfill contributions this planet we love.  Vermicomposting uses worms to help break down your food products and creates great soil for your garden in the meantime.  By vermicomposting, you avoid throwing out leftovers and old fruits/veggies, thereby reducing what goes from your kitchen to your curb to your local landfill in a non-biodegradable plastic bag.

While we've composted in the past, winter and laziness can present challenges to its success and our food still winds up in the garbage.  Now, thanks to the vermicomposting bin right in our kitchen, we can be green with our food products all year long.  It is easy to do and something we should all consider.  Below are the steps Grace created for her science fair poster:

How do I vermicompost?

STEP ONE: Get your worms!  (We ordered 200 red wigglers from Amazon.)
STEP TWO: Add ½ cup water to peat moss bag so worms don’t die.
STEP THREE: Make bedding for the worms.  (We shredded paper to fill the bin.)
STEP FOUR: Add water to bedding.  (We added 2 gallons.)
STEP FIVE: Chop up old food – anything but meat!
STEP SIX: Add worms and compost to bin.  Cover with damp newspaper.
STEP SEVEN: Drill breathing holes in bin.

The Science Fair isn't until 3/22, but we already consider this project a success.

If you're interesting in vermicomposting and want to learn more, please realize we've oversimplified the process a little and check out this great book: Worms: Eat my Garbage, which was a great resource for us!  Or, just Google and see what you can find!