Worm Your Way Into Composting

Did you know that worms can help you create rich, nutrient-dense soil for your garden? Putting worms to work in this way is called "vermiculture": the raising and production of earthworms and worm castings. Local gardener and crowd favorite Kristel Tippins will be at the Library to teach you about vermiculture on Tuesday, September 18th at 6:30pm. She will bring a working worm bin for you to look at and talk about how to purchase, contain and care for pet worms. Bump up your compost pile with worm castings and turn your food scraps into well-conditioned soil that will help you produce bountiful vegetable gardens, luscious lawns, and magnificent flower beds. 

The Library catalog has plenty of books about composting. Plus, check out tips on Composting 101.com. Then read the  
“7 Great Reasons to Compost.” 

Following are some items that can be composted:

• Cardboard rolls
• Brown paper bags
• Paper towels
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grass clippings and yard trimmings
• Hair and fur
• Hay and straw
• Houseplants
• Nut shells 
• Wood chips, sawdust, toothpicks, burnt matches

You can feel great about your role in protecting our planet when you compost, because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that composting helps to prevent pollution. According to the EPA, "Composting organic materials that have been diverted from landfills ultimately avoids the production of methane and leachate formulation in the landfills." They go on to say that compost has the ability to help regenerate poor soils and that it can suppress plant diseases, pests, and reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.

For those of you who have been to a program by Kristel, you know that she is a talented chef who likes to feed others. After her program on the 18th, she will again wow attendees with a homemade dirt-and-worm-inspired treat. Tuesday, September 18th, 6:30pm in the Lora Hussey Room. Adults Only, Individual Registration Required. See you at the Library!