Question
I have had a compost bin for years and regularly put kitchen scraps, yard waste, etc. into it. However, it seems this bin has turned into a worm farm. The whole bin is full of worms! I know their castings are great fertilizer, but when I put any of this on my plants, they die. I think it's too strong. Can you suggest how I might be able to use the contents of my bin on my plants without killing them? Thanks!
B.E.
San Francisco
Answer
I would use the compost that is below the working worms. The compost here is less hot and has also had the benefit of further decomposition by soil fungi and microbes. You may want to add more "brown"/carbon to the bin. Excessive green/nitrogen tends to be hotter. It may help to water the plants you apply the compost to first and then water again after application. You can also make compost tea. Fill a 5g bucket 1/2 full of the worm compost. Add water and stir. Strain the mixture in an old pillow case or decant. Use immediately. A better tea can be created if you can aerate it. This can easily be done with an aquarium pump and some plastic tubing. Allow the concoction to Bubble for 2 or 3 days and stir morning and night. Some people add 1/4 cup of molasses to feed the beneficial bacteria and fungi in the solution. After straining or decanting, use immediately.
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