The Facts

• Many gardeners choose to keep compost and worm boxes to supply their trees. Compost provides vitamins and minerals while worm compost adds earthworm castings for additional fertilizer.
  
  

Worm Bins

• Worm bins are wide, shallow containers that hold worm bedding--newspaper and garden soil--and the worms themselves. Homeowners must feed the worms at least once a week and maintain moisture in the bedding for the worms to breathe. Worm bins should always stay in relatively warm areas, as worms need temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  

Using Compost

• Gardeners can use worm compost as a soil amendment, fertilizer and mulch. Fold compost into the soil in spring to loosen the foundation and feed plants, then add it monthly to sustain soil nutrition. Use compost as an additional mulch layer on top of the soil to maintain moisture and warmth during both warm and cold seasons.