explanation of overwintering compost worms
Author: Ireen
When is the best time to start a worm hotel?
In the spring you can finally go into the garden. And at that point, I also see a spike in worm bin orders every year. Because at that moment, most people think that they need compost. That’s actually quite a shame. Because how useful would it be if your compost was ready at that time?… Continue reading When is the best time to start a worm hotel?
Worm hotel expo at the Hortus
This summer you can check out most of Balkonton ‘s worm bins at the Hortus Botanicus store in Amsterdam. So the worm composter Expo at my home/office in Amsterdam North is temporarily closed. Only if you would like to see the Aerobin or the Wormbag can you do so here in North. To do so,… Continue reading Worm hotel expo at the Hortus
Worms Workshops in May
in May 2023, you can attend a children’s workshop on compost worms at both the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam and the Zonneplein in Amsterdam Noord.
National compost day at Balkonton, visit March 25 the Worm Bin-Expo
National Compost Day 2023, visit Balkonton s worm composter in Amsterdam
Separate parts for the round worm composter
Is your wheel or tap broken? Or your lid blown away? In the webshop you can now also buy individual parts for the round worm composter. TIP: in high winds or storms, place a stone on the lid to prevent it from being blown away
New movie: Mounting worm tower
Video with explanation about the assembly of the wormery worm box
Refurbishment for the garden
This autumn I’m going to tackle a piece in the garden where my plants are clearly struggling to keep their heads above water. Apart from grass, little wants to grow, and what I have planted has largely been eaten away by the snails, caterpillars and I know a lot. Above you can see what I… Continue reading Refurbishment for the garden
Wooden worm composter
Wooden worm composterare popular because of their beautiful natural appearance. Not all wooden worm compostercan be placed outside, especially without additional protection
Help: The worms crawl through the bin and do not stay in the compost
This is especially common if you have just installed a new worm bin and is not a cause for concern. During the first 2 to 4 weeks, your worms are still getting used to it. They will investigate and can also try to crawl out of the box. But they will certainly explore everywhere IN… Continue reading Help: The worms crawl through the bin and do not stay in the compost
Whether or not to buy a worm bin (re)starter kit
The (re)starter package contains hemp mats, lava flour, worm feed and growing soil. You especially need the growing soil if your worms have had a hard time (hot summer or extremely cold winter, or little food during your holiday). You can also use the worm food if your worms need to recover or if you… Continue reading Whether or not to buy a worm bin (re)starter kit
How do you protect your worms from the cold?
Read the tips in the blog,share your photo on Facebook and have a chance to win a worm bin (re)starter pack. This makes your worm colony a quick restart when the temperatures start to rise again. The winner will be announced on February 28. NB: the starter package has gone to Stichting Mens en Tuin,a… Continue reading How do you protect your worms from the cold?
Mulching?
What is mulching? Mulching is covering the earth with material. At first, you do it to prevent dehydration. You can use anything for this. From pebbles to dry leaves. Why mulch? Your mulch layer protects the earth from the sun’s radiation and prevents evaporation. So you save water and protect your plants from drying out.… Continue reading Mulching?
Catching compost worms
I’m currently experimenting with ways to catch tiger worms (or compost worms) myself. Of course you can just buy them, but catching them yourself seemed like a nice idea. Here is the first report of my progress. I would love to hear your experiences and tips! The goal is to collect the best tips. On… Continue reading Catching compost worms
Tips to control the humidity in your Balkonton
A good humidity in the Balkonton is important: not too dry, but certainly not too wet. Compost worms breathe through their skin. They can even drown if it gets too wet. The contents of your worm tube should be about as moist as a squeezed sponge. Balcony barrel too dry? A worm tube that is… Continue reading Tips to control the humidity in your Balkonton
The benefits of worm droppings or vermicompost
The compost worms in your Balkonton or worm bin digest your organic waste. What remains is ‘vermicompost’. A mixture of worm droppings, fungi, bacteria, and organic matter. This worm droppings can be used as fertilizer. Worm compost has many advantages over other fertilizers. To name a few: 1: Your plants grow faster Worm droppings contain… Continue reading The benefits of worm droppings or vermicompost
How much waste can compost worms convert per day?
The Eisinia Fetida can, under ideal conditions, convert approximately its own weight in waste per day into vermicompost. In addition, the volume of your waste shrinks to 20% of the waste volume. The Eisinia Hortensis eats a little less, but has other positive properties. If you start your Balkonton with a handful of worms, you… Continue reading How much waste can compost worms convert per day?
What are the best compost worms?
Suppliers of worm boxes swear by a mix of Eisinia Fetida and the Eisinia Hortensis for a quick conversion of many organic waste to vermicompost. (source: http://www.duurzametuinartikelen.nl/wormen-voor-een-wormenbak) We also recommend this mix for the Balkonton. Especially because the Eisinia Hortensis not only converts plant material into compost, but also contributes to improving the soil… Continue reading What are the best compost worms?
Eisinia Fetida versus Eisinia Hortensis
On the Internet and in the literature you will find a lot of (sometimes contradictory) information about two different types of compost worms: the Eisinia Fetida and the Eisinia Hortensis. In this table I try to get all the information in a row. Will you help me to separate the wheat from the chaff and… Continue reading Eisinia Fetida versus Eisinia Hortensis
What is the difference between earthworms and compost worms
Sometimes the name earthworm is used as a collective name for all kinds of worm species. But usually this means the gray worm or Aporrectodea calliginosa. Grey worms are soil dwellers. They eat themselves through the soil and that is good for the soil structure. In the Netherlands, this is the most common worm. They… Continue reading What is the difference between earthworms and compost worms
Where to buy compost worms?
You can buy your compost worms through our webshop. Order them through our webshop. Then you get a mix of Eisinia Fetida and Eisinia Hortensis teo-controlled. About 200 grams is more than enough to start your Balkonton. For a larger worm bin, choose a portion of 500 grams. If you order a worm bin from… Continue reading Where to buy compost worms?