What's easier/better, composting with or without worms?

Question

I'm going to start composting for the first time, and I can't figure out if I want to use worms or not. Which is better when you're starting to compost, with or without worms?

Answer 1

There's a new composting forum that you may want to check...

http://www.compostingforum.com

Answer 2

With worms is easier and better. It keeps the smell, mold/fungus, and bugs down and the soil produces faster. They turn the soil for you so you really don't have to. A pound of worms eats 1 - 1 1/2 pounds of food a day.

Answer 3

Always with worms

the best compost in the world compared to chemical and organic is what comes from worms

Tests show that this is in a class by itself way above any others

Worms also aerate the soil.

Always have a cover on the compost such as a layer of leaves to hold in the moisture

or mulch the  soil

this prevents drying out by the wind or sun

prevents rain impact

and keeps the temperature regular

Answer 4

Without.   My mom tried that last year and ended up with a bunch of composted worms after forgetting about them for awhile.   Do it outside and throw a few worms in the pile if you want- they will just dig down into the soil if you forget about them.

Answer 5

with

Answer 6

I tried yard composting and it was more work than I wanted to do. Since I have green waste pick up I gave up. I recently discovered vermicompost and it is much easier and faster. I've had my bin for about 6 weeks and I have several pounds of great compost. I put a link to the video with the instructions I used to build mine. I only had to buy the worms, I had everything else laying around the house.

Answer 7

Yard composting will take more things than worm composting (e.g. if you like citrus fruits, you have to limit the rinds you can put in a worm bin or it gets too acidic).

On the other hand, worm bins are less physically demanding (you don't have to turn the compost, etc.) and can be kept indoors, making them more accessible in winter, and the only option for apartment dwellers.

If you're interested in worm composting try the book Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof. It's got all the info you need to start and maintain your own worm bin.

Answer 8

Unless you are planing on composting in your basement or you need to churn out compost fast, then the worms are your best bet.  Other than that just let it rot.  If it stinks get some air in the center by mixing it.  

Don't let it dry out, especially if you are going to use worms.

Answer 9

depends on how much work you are willing to do.

overdoing a worm farm can make it heat up and kill the worms. you should also feed fairly regularly.

a backyard heap does well when left alone, if you only want annual compost. all the leaves, all the grass, etc turn once or twice per year. do not put it under a tree. the tree will send roots into it for sure.

for regular supplies and irregular sources, get a tumbler.