Worm vs. regular composting

[NanH]

Is there any benefit to starting a worm composting system over my normal composting? I have extensive flower and veggie gardens.

[NanH]

Thanks, guys. I do have worms in my compost, I was just wondering if having an actual worm composting set up gave any more benefits than my compost pile. if, as Sue said, the only real benefit is faster compost, then I probably wouldn't. It seems like it would be more beneficial for people with smaller areas.

[meatn3]

Actually worm composting can be a plus for large and small gardens. The finished compost is enriched with the worm castings - very rich and no burning!

It is great for folks without yards. Small scale worm composting can be done in a plastic tote under the kitchen sink. Resulting worm castings can be used in container gardening.

Worm composting can be done on a large scale too. You can create lots of compost fairly quickly, great for a large garden. Perfect if you have a great amount of compostable material. A coffee roaster in my area collects vegetable waste from restaurants and uses it (along with coffee chaff) for large scale worm composting. The containers are about 5'x 3' and 3' deep. Here is a picture from one of their tours:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4...

[pine time]

I bought a few bags of "Worm Gold," and added part to my regular compost bin and the rest to the raised beds. Seemed to be the best of both worlds. While I had a few worms in the compost, the "Gold" speeded up that process.

[ChiliDude]

Compost and they will come (the worms, of course).

[ospreycove]

Yes, put up a welcome sign for the earthworms. As long as your pile is not isolated from the ground the worms should find it.

[Sue in Mt P]

Worms speed up the process.