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Bradford West Gwillimbury Times
November 2, 2002
Cathy Nesbitt explains details of Vermicomposting to Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Frank Jonkman, at Open House for Cathy's Crawly Composters.
Wormania, in Bradford!
A decade ago, an invitation to "come and see the worms" would have attracted little interest, and few takers.
But on Saturday, October 26th, more than 80 people turned out to learn more about vermicomposting from Cathy Nesbitt, and "Cathy's Crawly Composters."
Nesbitt is passionate about composting, and fascinated by "red wigglers" - the productive, specialized worms that can eat their weight in organic garbage each day, transforming leftover kitchen waste, tea leaves, coffee grounds, newspaper and cardboard into nitrogen-rich black castings, a gardener's "black gold."
The open house provided an opportunity to see worm bin set-up, maintenance and harvest - and ask questions. Doesn't the compost smell? Not with the right moisture balance and mix between carbon-rich materials (leaves, paper, straw) and nitrogen-rich materials (vegetables and other organics), she says.
What about fruit flies? Again, not usually a problem, as long as the proper moisture balance is maintained, and the bins are topped with a layer of leaves or shredded paper.
And for those who might think of worms as … "icky", Nesbitt points out that the creatures are industrious, shy, can live up to 20 years, and may just be the best way to deal with the one-third of household waste that is organic in nature. Unlike ordinary backyard composters, vermicomposting is fast - the worms consume the waste, and can be fed 2 or 3 times a week.
The open house, at 43 Thornton Avenue, was a highlight of Waste Reduction Week, October 21st - 27th. In addition to information on composting and vermicomposting, Olfactory Pleasures provided a demonstration of soap-making, Creemore Coffee Company served up organic, "bird-friendly" coffee and hot chocolate and community partner, Country Style Donuts (Bridge St.) provided free donuts. And more than one visitor left with a good introduction to "Wormania".
For more information, contact Cathy's Crawly Composters, 905-775-9495, or online at www.cathyscomposters.com.
Post Halloween pumpkins? Don't leave them for garbage collection - deliver them to Cathy's Crawly Composters, 43 Thornton Avenue, and give the worms a treat.
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