Today we put in 4 more lasagna layered beds at the Fredericksburg Food Bank. While there I had a conversation with their Volunteer Coordinator, Julie, about how excited everyone is about the work we're doing with them. It was exciting to hear that everyone, administration, workers, and volunteers are excited about what we're bringing to this location. It is great to see such wonderful progress being made as well. It truly seems like we are the only ones out there doing this. Which is good and bad as things go. People can be very receptive and welcoming of the idea and others turn theor noses up at it and think we're crazy for wanting to help in this way. It is all a matter of helping people re-focus their lenses and see what potential is really out there and if we really want to be a better nation then we have to start in our local communities.
(Photos to come)
On that note! I have just been contacted by a local Freericksburg church that wants to be apart of our network in Fred, AND wants to help in the gardens and maybe even host/be a champion at a garden site. This is so exciting. I'll be meeting with them all in 2 weeks to talk about all that wonderful-ness! yay!
Growing more and more!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Composting with worms!
We did our first workshop in New Kent at the Community Services Building. At the garden establishment event, interest in composting was expressed and especially composting indoors with worms. So CFP planned an event and did a workshop on vermicomposting. We had five people plus two CFP staff in attendance.
Worms break down kitchen and food scraps
For example a bin that is 18"x24" will be able to process about 10.5 pounds of food scraps per week (ext.vt.edu - 442-005).
Steps to making a Worm Bin
1. Locate 5 gallon - 20 gallon plastic bin/storage container. When choosing a bin, select a darker colored one, as this will let in less light, and will make the worms happier and less likely to want to run away from their home. If you choose a lighter colored container, store it in a space that gets little light, ie. under the sink, in a closet, etc.
2. drill hole,s with a 1/8" drill bit or similar, along the top/on the cover and around the top 2-3" on the sides of the container. (remember to clear out the plastic shavings from the drill before proceeding.
3. put in 6-8" of damp, shredded newspaper. NO colored, glossy paper. **Shiny belongs on your finger, around your wrist or neck, but NOT in your worm bin.** The paper should feel like a damp sponge.
4. Add in a small amount of soil, as this aids in the worms' digestion.
5. Add Worms (Red Wigglers only!) Earthworms that you find in the garden are not what you need for this project, they are best left in the garden to help out the soil. If you need red wigglers, please call us or check out your local bait shop.
6. DINNER! Add worm food.
Worms enjoy eating...
- Coffee grounds; paper (dampened); cardboard including paper egg cartons; vegetable and fruit peelings and waste (cooked or raw or spoiled they LOVE it all); crushed up eggshells.
The general rule of thumb is if it is from a plant, worms can eat it, with a few expections:
In moderation you can put in citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes)
Absolutely NO pineapple, grass clippings; meat; bones; dairy; things cooked with/in oil; no cooking oils; NO pet manure!
Some links to help you out.
wormmainea.com
www.thewormguy.org
www.wormcrusader.com
Worms break down kitchen and food scraps
For example a bin that is 18"x24" will be able to process about 10.5 pounds of food scraps per week (ext.vt.edu - 442-005).
Steps to making a Worm Bin
1. Locate 5 gallon - 20 gallon plastic bin/storage container. When choosing a bin, select a darker colored one, as this will let in less light, and will make the worms happier and less likely to want to run away from their home. If you choose a lighter colored container, store it in a space that gets little light, ie. under the sink, in a closet, etc.
2. drill hole,s with a 1/8" drill bit or similar, along the top/on the cover and around the top 2-3" on the sides of the container. (remember to clear out the plastic shavings from the drill before proceeding.
3. put in 6-8" of damp, shredded newspaper. NO colored, glossy paper. **Shiny belongs on your finger, around your wrist or neck, but NOT in your worm bin.** The paper should feel like a damp sponge. 
4. Add in a small amount of soil, as this aids in the worms' digestion.5. Add Worms (Red Wigglers only!) Earthworms that you find in the garden are not what you need for this project, they are best left in the garden to help out the soil. If you need red wigglers, please call us or check out your local bait shop.
6. DINNER! Add worm food.
Worms enjoy eating...
- Coffee grounds; paper (dampened); cardboard including paper egg cartons; vegetable and fruit peelings and waste (cooked or raw or spoiled they LOVE it all); crushed up eggshells.
The general rule of thumb is if it is from a plant, worms can eat it, with a few expections:
In moderation you can put in citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes)
Absolutely NO pineapple, grass clippings; meat; bones; dairy; things cooked with/in oil; no cooking oils; NO pet manure!
Some links to help you out.
wormmainea.com
www.thewormguy.org
www.wormcrusader.com
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