Understanding Vermicomposting:

Vermicomposting is the process of using specific species of earthworms, typically red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), to decompose organic matter. These worms consume the organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, and shredded paper, and transform it into a dark, nutrient-rich substance called vermicompost or worm castings.

The Benefits of Vermicomposting:

1. Waste reduction: Vermicomposting diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and alleviating the strain on municipal waste management systems.

2. Nutrient-rich compost: Vermicompost is a potent organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. It contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health and plant growth.

3. Cost-effective: Producing your own vermicompost means reducing the need to purchase chemical fertilizers, thus saving money in the long run.

Setting Up Your Vermicompost System:

1. Choose a worm bin: Start by selecting a suitable container for your vermicompost system. It can be a commercially available worm bin or a DIY solution made from plastic bins, wooden boxes, or even repurposed containers. Ensure that the bin is well-ventilated, lightweight, and has a lid to maintain moisture levels and prevent pests.

2. Bedding material: Create a comfortable bedding for your worms using a combination of shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or aged compost. Moisten the bedding until it feels like a damp sponge, but not overly wet.

3. Introduce the worms: Once the bedding is ready, add a handful of red wigglers to the bin. Start with a population of around 500 to 1,000 worms, and they will multiply over time to meet the needs of your vermicomposting operation.

4. Feeding your worms: Place small amounts of organic waste on top of the bedding regularly. Worms eat their weight in food every day, so gradually increase the quantity as they adapt. Suitable food scraps include fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed eggshells, and non-greasy leftovers. Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, and citrus fruits as they can attract pests or hinder worm activity.

5. Maintaining the system: Ensure the bedding remains moist, but not waterlogged, by occasionally spraying it with water. Keep the bin in a cool, shaded area to prevent overheating or freezing. Regularly check the moisture levels, the quality of the vermicompost, and the overall health of the worms.

6. Harvesting the vermicompost: After a few months, the vermicompost will be ready for harvest. Move the top layer of bedding and food scraps to one side of the bin. Worms are sensitive to light, so they will migrate to the side with food. Scoop out the dark, crumbly vermicompost from the other side and use it in your garden or potted plants. Return the worms to the fresh

Our Personal Story

It is actually easier than it seems (I promise !). We went for the worm bin FCMP Grey Composter and store it in our kitchen. It really looks good and does not smell at all, which is very handy if it sits in the kitchen.

Worms can be tricky and expensive to get. Contact us if you need info about that. We bought ours for 100$. We have many plants and have been using the fertilizer and soil for keeping our plants healthy, so it was totally worth it. 

Plus, our daughter also LOVES it. So exciting to see worms working hard to produce soil !