Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is an alternative form of composting where you rely on Red Wiggler worms to covert food scraps and other organic materials into worm castings (a rich soil amendment). Red Wiggler worms are voracious eaters, consuming up to half their body weight in organic material every day!

Person holding worms over a bucket of food scraps

Vermicomposting has 4 basic ingredients: Bedding + Food + Water + Air

  • Bedding can be made up of shredded paper (non-glossy), coconut coir, or a combination of both. 
  • Food should consist of fruit and vegetable pieces and peels (chopped), coffee grounds and filters, paper tea bags, moldy fruits and vegetables, and eggshells.
  • Water should be added, as needed, to keep the pile moist and cool. It should remain as moist as a wrung-out sponge.
  • Air is necessary for the worms to breathe! Your bin should have holes in the bottom and sides for drainage and ventilation.

If you have a yard, you can also make an in-ground worm bin. This is a great option if you want to vermicompost in areas that get very hot or very cold. Simply take a bucket or similar container, cut a few holes in it, and bury it just deep enough that the lid is still accessible. You can then place food scraps in the bin and worms from your garden will enter to eat the food scraps.

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