Regular composting is a fantastic way to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. However, you can take your composting efforts to the next level by vermicomposting.
Inspired by a workshop hosted at Nourishing Food For Thought by Bob and Sarah Fenton from Shadowood Farm, we’ve collected as much knowledge as we could from Bob and Sarah to share with you. We’ll provide you with essential tips and steps for setting up and maintaining your own vermicomposting system.
Let’s begin.
Table of contents
What is Vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting, the process of using worms to decompose organic food waste, is a sustainable and highly effective way to enrich garden soil. This method produces a nutrient-rich compost known as "Black Gold," a term that reflects its value to gardeners and plant parents alike.
Why Vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting is a natural and eco-friendly method of recycling kitchen scraps into valuable fertilizer for your garden. The process leverages the digestive power of red wiggler worms, which break down organic matter into a nutrient-dense compost. This compost not only enriches soil but also enhances its structure and moisture-retention capacity, promoting healthier plant growth.
The Environmental Impact of Food Waste in Landfills
A thought-provoking fact Bob mentioned is the amount of food waste that is in landfills and the methane emitted from compacting it. So, I dug a little deeper to get a better understanding of why food shouldn’t be tossed in the trash can.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food waste accounts for up to 58% of methane emissions from landfills. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. When organic waste, such as food scraps, ends up in landfills, it decomposes without oxygen, producing methane as a byproduct. This process is much slower and less efficient compared to the aerobic (with oxygen) decomposition that occurs in composting.
This means that even small reductions in methane emissions can have a large impact. Simply diverting food waste from landfills and using it for vermicomposting, we can significantly reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere. How cool!
1. Choosing the Right Worms
Bob swears by red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida). They are ideal for vermicomposting because they thrive in shallow, confined spaces and are highly efficient at processing organic waste. Unlike earthworms, which burrow deeply into the soil.
2. Preparing the Bin
Select a dark colored bin to provide a dark and confined environment. Red wigglers avoid light. A bin less than 27 gallons is best for ease of use as you will be handling the bin once it is full.
Drill lots of holes in the bottom and the lower half of the sides of the bin to allow for ventilation. A lot of airflow is important to prevent the compost from becoming stale, which can make the compost smell badly and create an unhealthy environment for the worms. We like to drill ⅛ inch holes to allow for good air flow and also keep most of the worms inside the bin. An active bin will have worms in the bin as well as on the ground under the bin. You can't avoid some making their home there.
3. Materials for Bedding
To create a great home for your worms, the bedding should consist of a mix of materials that retain moisture and provide a balanced diet:
Cardboard boxes: These add structure to the bedding.
Coir (ground-up coconut husk): Coir is excellent for moisture retention.
Newspaper torn vertically: Shredded newspaper provides a good balance of carbon.
Greens and browns: Aim for an equal mix of green materials (like vegetable scraps) and brown materials (like paper and cardboard). This balance ensures a healthy carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
4. Layering the Bin
Think of the bin as a lasagna, with alternating layers of bedding materials.
1. Start with a layer of cardboard or coir, followed by shredded newspaper, and then add a layer of greens and browns.
2. Continue layering until the bin is about three-quarters full.
3. Finally, introduce the worms to their new home and drizzle a small amount of water over the top to create a moist environment, similar to lightly oiling a pan before cooking.
1. Feeding the Worms
Worms thrive on a variety of kitchen scraps, but it's important to avoid certain items:
Avoid grains, meats, and dairy: These can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
Limit citrus and acidic foods: Too much acidity can harm the worms.
Use ground-down eggshells sparingly: They provide calcium, but too much can alter the pH balance. You’ll want to avoid tossing in whole eggshells as they take quite a while to decompose.
Feed the worms regularly but avoid overfeeding. Uneaten food can rot and attract pests.
2. Moisture and Light Control
Ensure that the bin remains moist but not waterlogged. If the compost becomes too wet, it can suffocate the worms. On the other hand, if it’s too dry, the worms will dehydrate. Moist, not wet. Always keep the bin in a well-shaded area to prevent overheating and exposure to direct sunlight.
When the compost is ready, it will have a dark, crumbly texture and an earthy smell. To harvest the compost:
Use a sifter: Construct a sifter using hardware cloth stapled to a wooden frame.
Place the compost in the sifter and shake it over a collection container, or in our most recent workshop, a large tarp. The fine compost will pass through, leaving behind larger particles and worms.
Return the remnants: The remaining material, along with the worms, can be added back to the bin or used to start a new bin.
We had a really great time with Bob and Sarah during this process. Our volunteers and children had fun plucking out the worms, sifting for “gold” and starting a new bin for our garden here at Nourishing Food For Thought.
The kids also had a blast feeding the millipedes and grubs to the chickens!
Once you have successfully harvested your rich, dark vermicompost, there are several best practices to maximize its benefits for your garden. Vermicompost is very concentrated in nutrients and beneficial microbes, so it’s important to use it appropriately to avoid over-fertilizing your plants.
Application Methods
Soil Amendment: Mix vermicompost into your garden soil to improve its structure, aeration, and nutrient content. A general guideline is to incorporate 1 to 2 inches of vermicompost into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. This is especially great for vegetable gardens, flower beds, and new plantings.
Top Dressing: For established plants, use vermicompost as a top dressing by spreading a thin layer (about half an inch) around the base of plants. This method allows nutrients to gradually seep into the soil as water permeates through the compost, providing slow-release fertilization.
Potting Mix Enhancement: A common ratio is to mix 1 part vermicompost with 3 parts potting soil. Blending potting mix with vermicompost creates a nutrient-rich environment for seedlings and potted plants, promoting incredible growth and strong root development.
Compost Tea: Create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer by steeping vermicompost in water. Use about one cup of vermicompost for every gallon of water and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture and use the liquid to water your plants, providing an immediate boost of nutrients!
Considerations and Notes From Bob
Moderation: While vermicompost is incredibly beneficial, using too much can overwhelm plants. And, he considers this “black gold” too precious to waste so follow the guidelines as best you can! He also likes to mention that while houseplants are great, this compost is very valuable. He recommends using it mostly on your food crops vs. ornamental plants.
Timing: Apply vermicompost during the growing season when plants can make the best use of the nutrients. For most plants, this means spring and early summer.
Storage: Keep any unused vermicompost in a cool, dry place. Properly stored vermicompost retains its beneficial properties and can be used as needed.
Will You Be Starting a Vermicompost Bin?
Vermicomposting is a practical and rewarding way to recycle kitchen scraps into a potent fertilizer for your garden. By following the steps Shadowood Farm helped us outline above, you can create a thriving vermiculture bin that will continually produce rich compost to nourish your plants. Not only will this process reduce waste and improve your garden’s health, but it will also connect you more closely with the natural cycles of growth and decomposition. Will you start a vermicomposting bin?
For more education at Nourishing Food For Thought, visit our blog, join a workshop or volunteer with us!
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