Vermicomposting: The composting of organic matter using earthworms.
Getting started vermicomposting
Welcome to the wonderful world of Vermicomposting. Before we get started with setting up your worm compost bin, let's examine what composting with worms is and why you should be doing it. (Or click here to start setting up your bin.)
Why Vermicompost?
In nature, all organic matter eventually decomposes. By Vermicomposting, you speed up the process of decomposition and get a richer end result. Vermicompost consists of not only the organic wastes in various stages of decomposition and beneficial microorganisims, but it also contains nutrient- rich vermicast or worm castings, a.k.a. "worm poop".
Why should you bother to vermicompost? Vermicompost is considered superior to conventionally produced compost in several important ways:
A great advantage of Vermicomposting is you can do it all year round - indoor's during Winter and outdoor's during Summer. Worm composting can be done in a small apartment or on a farm; in the laundry room or under a tree; by college students or by farm hands.
If you're in a condo or apartment, conventional composting techniques are often not possible. A worm bin is odorless, convenient, and doesn't take up much space, making an ideal way for anyone to compost.
Composting with worm bins indoors has the advantage over traditional composting methods by saving trips to the outdoor compost heap, especially when it's cold or rainy. A worm bin near a hot water heater in the garage during winter is very convenient.
The World is Catching On
Because of the benefits of worm composting, farmers and governments around the world are beginning to vermicompost like never before, especially in the warmer climates. India and Cuba are leading the way.
Why should you bother to vermicompost? Vermicompost is considered superior to conventionally produced compost in several important ways:
- Vermicompost is better than most composts as an inoculant in the production of compost teas.
- Vermicast often contain 5 to 10 times more nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium than garden soil.
- Secretions in the intestinal tracts of earthworms make nutrients, including micronutrients, more concentrated and more readily available for plant uptake.
- While vermicomposting, you will naturally produce more worms. Any excess worms can be used as pet food, fishing bait, and to sell for extra cash to other composters.
A great advantage of Vermicomposting is you can do it all year round - indoor's during Winter and outdoor's during Summer. Worm composting can be done in a small apartment or on a farm; in the laundry room or under a tree; by college students or by farm hands.
If you're in a condo or apartment, conventional composting techniques are often not possible. A worm bin is odorless, convenient, and doesn't take up much space, making an ideal way for anyone to compost.
Composting with worm bins indoors has the advantage over traditional composting methods by saving trips to the outdoor compost heap, especially when it's cold or rainy. A worm bin near a hot water heater in the garage during winter is very convenient.
The World is Catching On
Because of the benefits of worm composting, farmers and governments around the world are beginning to vermicompost like never before, especially in the warmer climates. India and Cuba are leading the way.
- Vermicomposting centers are numerous in Cuba. When the Soviet Union fell, it became impossible for them to import commercial fertilizer. Vermicompost has been the largest single replacement for commercial fertilizer by Cuba.
In 2004, an estimated 1 million tons of vermicompost were produced on the island. - In India, and estimated 200,000 farmers practice vermicomposting and one network of 10,000 farmers produce 50,000 metric tons of vermicompost every month.
- Farmers in Australia and the West Coast of the U.S. are starting to use vermicompost in greater quantities, fuelling the development of vermicomposting industries there.
- Scientists at several Universities in the U.S., Canada, India, Australia, and South Africa are documenting the benefits of vermicompost, providing facts and figures that support the observations of those who have used it.
Best Vermicompost Worm: The Red Worm and European Nightcrawler
Redworms (red wigglers) are the most commonly used type of earthworm for composting in worm bins. But the European nightcrawler is also an excellent vermi-composter and you can even mix the two together.
Now, let's get started with your worm compost bin so you can begin producing your very own vermicompost.
Redworms (red wigglers) are the most commonly used type of earthworm for composting in worm bins. But the European nightcrawler is also an excellent vermi-composter and you can even mix the two together.
Now, let's get started with your worm compost bin so you can begin producing your very own vermicompost.