Earthworms & Vermi composting

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In the animal kingdom, earthworms are the kings of composting. They simply eat all of the kitchen wastes and garden waste that we give to them and excrete an amazingly rich form of compost and fertilizer as their "castings". In addition to building a compost heap to process massive quantities of plant waste and animal manures, building a worm bin is the next best addition to your garden.

Vermi composting, or vermin culture, is the process of creating a comfortable home for earthworms; feeding them judiciously with rich succulent food, like kitchen waste; and harvesting the nutrient rich castings and liquid (worm juice) that they produce. Containing water-soluble nutrients and bacteria, earthworm castings, also known as vermicast, are perhaps the richest organic fertilizer and soil conditioner available.

Vermi composting is the easiest way to recycle food wastes and avoids the needless loss of vegetative food nutrients to the landfill or municipal dump. It is relatively easy, requires a simple setup and maintenance, can be employed indoors and out. Composting with earthworms is ideal for those who do not have the space or need for an ordinary outdoor compost pile. A small worm bin can be placed in your house or apartment, as well as in the garage, backyard, or garden.

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Vermi compost contains not only earthworm castings, but also bedding materials and organic wastes at various stages of decomposition. It also contains worms at various stages of development and other microorganisms associated with the composting processing. A worm bin is a community of hundreds or thousands of small but mighty soil builders.

Only a few things are needed to make good worm compost: a bin, bedding, earthworms, moisture, and a constant source of food.