Vermicomposting, also known as worm composting, is the process of using worms to break down organic material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called vermicompost or worm castings. This sustainable and eco-friendly method of composting can be done indoor or outdoor, on a small or large scale.
Vermicompost contains high levels of nutrients, beneficial microorganisms, and plant growth hormones that help nourish plants and improve soil health. The worm castings are an excellent alternative to chemical fertilizers. Vermicomposting also reduces food waste going to landfills while producing a high-quality compost product.
How Vermicomposting Works
Vermicomposting relies on worms and microorganisms to break down organic material. Here is a quick overview of the vermicomposting process:
- Worms and beneficial microbes work together to digest organic matter, such as kitchen scraps, paper, cardboard, etc. The worms grind the material into smaller pieces with their mouths as it passes through their digestive system.
- In the worm’s gut, enzymes and microbes further break down the material into simple organic compounds.
- The worms excrete this digested material out as worm castings (vermicompost), which is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner.
- Vermicompost contains higher levels of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus that are more readily available for plant uptake compared to traditional compost.
- The worm castings also contain beneficial microbes that continue decomposing organic matter and releasing nutrients. These microbes help suppress plant diseases and pests.
- Worm castings improve soil texture, aeration, and water retention, creating optimal conditions for plant growth.
The end result is a sustainable fertilizer and soil amendment that nourishes plants while reducing waste. Now let’s look at the types of worms suitable for vermicomposting.
Choosing the Right Worms
Not all worms are created equal when it comes to vermicomposting. The ideal worm species have the following characteristics:
- Composting Worms: Epigeic earthworms that live on the soil surface and consume decaying organic matter are best suited for vermicomposting systems. Popular composting worm species include red wigglers, redworms, tiger worms, brandling worms, etc.
- Voracious Appetite: Worms with a big appetite that can consume large amounts of food waste are most efficient at breaking down organic materials. Red wigglers can eat up to half their body weight per day.
- Tolerance to Disturbance: Worms that can thrive in a managed composting system where their bedding is periodically changed or disturbed work best. Composting worms are resilient and tolerant to handling.
- Fast Reproduction: Worms that reproduce quickly help grow the worm population to process more organic waste. Red wigglers can double their numbers every 2-3 months.
- Small Size: Small bodied worms 4-6 inches long are ideal for worm bins as they take up less space while providing maximum composting capacity.
Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the most popular worms for home vermicomposting. They check all the boxes – voracious appetite, fast breeding, and tolerate disturbance. You can purchase composting worms from bait shops or online retailers.
Setting Up a Worm Bin
Let’s go over how to set up the perfect environment for your worms to thrive. Here are the key factors in establishing a worm bin:
Choosing a Bin
- An 8-32 gallon plastic storage tote makes an ideal home for your worms. Look for one with a secure fitting lid.
- Bins made specifically for vermicomposting are also available from gardening stores or online.
- You can also repurpose items like old dresser drawers, wooden boxes or even buckets by drilling ventilation holes.
Bedding Material
- Shredded cardboard and paper provide carbon, fluffiness and airflow.
- Coconut coir adds water retention.
- Chopped straw gives structure.
- Avoid glossy paper and wood shavings from cedar, pine or pressure-treated wood.
Moisture Level
- Bedding should feel like a wrung-out sponge, moist but not soggy.
- Add water sparingly and less than you think is needed. Worms get moisture from food scraps.
Ventilation
- Drill 8-12 holes (1/4”- 1/2” diameter) in the bin sides and lid for airflow.
- Position bin away from direct sunlight or extreme temps. Ideal temps are 55°F – 77°F.
Bedding Depth
- Start with 6-12 inches of moist bedding material for worms to burrow in.
- Leave some headspace for adding food scraps.
pH Level
- Test bedding pH before adding worms. Ideal range is 6.5-7.5.
- Sprinkle in crushed eggshells or lime if pH is too low.
Worm Population
- Start with 1 lb of red wigglers for every 1-2 sq ft of surface area. A typical bin holds 1-2 lbs.
- Worms will multiply quickly with good feeding and conditions.
With the right bin setup, your worms will thrive and work their composting magic!
Feeding Your Worms
Proper feeding is crucial to a healthy, productive worm bin. Follow these tips:
What to Feed
- Fruit and veggie scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Crushed eggshells
- Tea bags
- Shredded newspaper/cardboard
- Leaf litter
What Not to Feed
- Meat, fish or dairy products
- Oils, grease and liquids
- Pet waste
- Invasive weeds
- Diseased plant matter
Feeding Schedule
- Bury food under bedding in a different spot each time.
- Feed just enough so no scraps are visible after a few days.
- Let worms process previous feeding fully before adding more food.
Managing pH
- Test pH every few weeks and add crushed eggshells or lime if acidic.
- Limit citrus peels and coffee grounds if pH drops too low.
With a balanced diet and proper feeding routine, your worms will thrive and reproduce. Adjust food amounts based on number of worms and how quickly they process food. Over time, you will get a feel for the right feeding rate.
Maintaining Your Worm Bin
With proper maintenance, a worm composting system can last for years. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy worm bin:
Moisture Management
- Check moisture levels weekly by squeezing bedding. Add water sparingly if needed.
- Drain out any excess liquid that collects at the bottom.
Aeration
- Fluff and mix in fresh bedding monthly to create air pockets.
- Drill more holes if condensation builds up on lid.
Temperature Control
- Move bin to cooler or warmer area if temperatures dip or rise too high.
- Cover bin with burlap sack or blanket insulation to maintain optimal temps.
pH Balance
- Test pH every 2-4 weeks and add crushed eggshells or lime if acidic.
- Limit acidic food waste if pH drops repeatedly.
Pest Control
- Place yellow sticky paper inside bin to trap any fruit flies.
- Diatomaceous earth sprinkled on top can help deter ants.
With proper conditions, your worms will thrive with minimal effort required!
Harvesting Vermicompost
Vermicompost is ready to harvest when the worm bin is filled with dark, crumbly worm castings. Here are some tips for harvesting rich, finished vermicompost:
When to Harvest
- Harvest every 2-4 months based on worm population and food input.
- Castings at bottom and center of bin will be ready before top layer.
How to Harvest
- Scoop out castings to one side of the bin, leaving worms on other side.
- Dump castings on a tarp and sort out worms to return to bin.
- Screen finished compost through 1⁄4” mesh hardware cloth to filter out worms.
Curing Compost
- Cure harvested vermicompost by air drying for 1-2 weeks before use.
- Curing stabilizes nutrients and reduces potential to burn plants.
- Store cured vermicompost in breathable bags or containers.
Replenishing Bedding
- Add fresh moist bedding and food to vacant side of bin after harvesting.
- Mix in some finished compost which contains beneficial microbes.
With regular harvesting, you’ll have a continuous supply of nutrient-rich worm castings for your garden!
Troubleshooting Common Worm Bin Issues
Even well-maintained worm bins can occasionally run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Odors
- Cause: Excess moisture and anaerobic conditions
- Solution: Mix in dry bedding, leave lid ajar to increase airflow
Fruit Flies
- Cause: Exposed food scraps
- Solution: Bury food waste, trap flies with vinegar or yellow paper
Mites
- Cause: Too dry bedding, diseased food waste
- Solution: Increase moisture, remove mite-infested bedding
Worm Escape
- Cause: Extreme temps, overfeeding, unsuitably wet
- Solution: Regulate temps and moisture, reduce feeding amounts
Low Reproduction
- Cause: Low pH, insufficient feeding, overcrowding
- Solution: Neutralize pH, increase food, expand bin space
With attentive care and quick troubleshooting, your worm composting system will thrive!
Using Vermicompost in Your Garden
Now that you’ve harvested some beautiful worm castings, it’s time to put that vermicompost to work in your garden! Here are some of the amazing benefits of using vermicompost:
Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer
- Vermicompost contains higher levels of bioavailable nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients compared to traditional compost.
- It releases nutrients slowly over time. Mix into garden beds before planting and as top dressing.
Soil Conditioner
- Vermicompost improves soil texture, density, and porosity for better aeration and moisture retention.
- It helps soil hold nutrients longer without leaching.
Microbial Inoculant
- Worm castings contain beneficial bacteria, fungi and protozoa that boost microbial life and activity in soil.
- These microbes help suppress plant diseases, increase nutrient cycling and stimulate plant growth.
Germination and Growth Aid
- Studies show vermicompost increases seed germination rates, enhances root development, and supports vigorous plant growth.
- It contains plant growth regulators that stimulate natural hormones for healthier plants.
Incorporate generous helpings of vermicompost into all your planting beds, containers and potting mixes to take your gardening to the next level!
Scaling Up Vermicomposting
For larger scale vermicomposting, you can build flow-through worm composting systems to produce higher volumes of castings on a continuous basis. Here are some tips on expanding your vermicompost production:
Multi-Bin Systems
Link a series of bins together using chutes or conveyors. Harvest fully composted vermicompost from one bin while adding fresh waste to another bin in the chain.
Vertical Flow-Through Bins
Use stacking trays or multiple stories to create vertical worm farms. Food waste is added at the top and flows downward while finished castings are collected at the bottom.
Outdoor Windrow Beds
For very large scale vermicomposting, use long outdoor windrow beds made of wood or cement blocks. Add food waste and harvest fully processed sections.
Automated Systems
Commercial vermicomposting operations may utilize automated feeding and turning equipment to improve efficiency. Conveyors transport raw materials through the composting process.
With some creative planning, vermicomposting can be scaled to process large amounts of organic waste. The sky’s the limit!
Reaping the Benefits of Vermicomposting
As you can see, vermicomposting offers immense environmental and agricultural benefits:
- Diverts organic waste from landfills
- Produces a natural, sustainable fertilizer and soil enhancer
- Supplies a rich nutrient source for your garden
- Improves soil health and plant vigor
- Can be done on a small or large scale
- Provides an engaging educational experience
Adopting vermicomposting is one of the best things you can do for your plants and the planet. With a properly set up worm composting bin, you’ll have access to this black gold to nourish your garden for years to come. Get started with vermicomposting today!