Composting: The True Essence of Recycling
Composting is the natural process of breaking down food waste, leaves, and other organic matter into a rich soil amendment. Worm composting (vermicomposting) is when a type of earthworm called a “redworm” eats food waste and other organic matter (plant waste, paper, etc), resulting in a rich compost that can be used as fertilizer for lawns, gardens, and house plants. Letting worms turn your garbage into a nutrient-filled humus is a satisfying experience. It’s the true essence of recycling.
THE BENEFITS OF WORM COMPOSTING
Vermicompost is a rich and valuable soil additive. It’s a mixture of worm castings, organic material, and bedding and is high in plant nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, sulfur, and phosphorus. When added to soil, it stimulates plant growth, decreases soil acidity, and helps hold moisture in the soil—all without the harmful effects of chemicals. Learn more in Ken Perry’s article Vermicomposting: A Sustainable Solution For Garbage Disposal in Natural Farmer magazine.
Why compost?
Why compost?
- Vermicomposting creates superior, nutrient-rich compost
- It can be done indoors year round.
- Composting saves landfill space.
- It’s an easy way to recycle food waste.
- Vermicompost is environmentally beneficial.
- The process is educational and fun.
HOW TO USE VERMICOMPOST
TOP DRESSING
Sprinkle vermicompost around the base of plants and on grass to provide organic matter and additional nutrients. It’s excellent for houseplants, gardens, and lawns.
POTTING MIX
Add 1/3 vermicompost to potting soil when repotting plants indoors or out.
SEEDS AND TRANSPLANTS
Sprinkle vermicompost into seed rows before planting seeds, or place a handful at the bottom of holes dug for transplants.
WORM TEA
Worm tea is a truly incredible fertilizer! It provides needed organic nutrients without ever burning plants. You can make worm tea from vermicompost or collect it directly from your composting bin.
Sprinkle vermicompost around the base of plants and on grass to provide organic matter and additional nutrients. It’s excellent for houseplants, gardens, and lawns.
POTTING MIX
Add 1/3 vermicompost to potting soil when repotting plants indoors or out.
SEEDS AND TRANSPLANTS
Sprinkle vermicompost into seed rows before planting seeds, or place a handful at the bottom of holes dug for transplants.
WORM TEA
Worm tea is a truly incredible fertilizer! It provides needed organic nutrients without ever burning plants. You can make worm tea from vermicompost or collect it directly from your composting bin.
MAKE YOUR OWN WORM TEA!
To make your own worm tea, soak worm castings (vermicompost) in old nylon stockings in a bucket of water for a few days. To collect it directly from your compost bin, simply catch the excess moisture that drains through the bedding in a drain pan under your bin (or collect from the spout, if your bin is so equipped). Dilute with 3 parts water and use it to feed your plants! You’ll be amazed with the results.
