How to Make High-Quality Vermicompost

Vermicompost is also known as worm manure or worm castings that are filled in macro- and
micro-nutrients. Vermicompost is not like normal compost, in which only microorganisms take
part but in vermicompost, microorganisms function in collaboration with the earthworms. A
pound of matured worms can easily eat up to around half-pound of organic waste. Many people
make high-quality vermicompost at their homes by using various species of earthworms, such as
– nightcrawlers, red wigglers, blue worms, and so on. In this article, we will briefly discuss the
process to make high-quality vermicompost easily.

Process of general composting and vermicomposting

General composting is the bio-oxidation of organic wastes, which go through the thermophilic
phase (45 to 65-degree Celsius). During this stage, microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi,
actinomycetes decompose the materials and produce heat and carbon dioxide. The normal
composting process results in a homogeneous end product from heterogeneous materials. The
end products are called humus. To facilitate the process, you have to turn the pile and ensure
proper aeration.

On the other hand, in vermicomposting, there is no thermophilic stage. It is a process of

decomposing organic materials by microorganisms and earthworms. These macro-fauna
(earthworms) provide oxygen by turning and mixing up the materials. People mainly focus on
using the worm casts, which are loaded with nutrients.

What are the differences between vermicomposting and composting process?

The main difference between vermicompost and compost is the incorporation of earthworms that
degrade the organic wastes and produce nutrient-loaded compost. In the general composting
process, we only allow the microbes to decompose the organic materials. There are other
differences as well, and here, we will discuss them.

1. Heat

In terms of temperature, general compost piles are hotter than vermicompost because, during the
composting process, bacteria produce heat by decomposing the organic wastes. Higher
temperature is considered good as it kills the pathogens. On the other hand, vermicompost is not
as effective as the general composting process as vermicomposting lacks the thermophilic stage.
2. Microbial activity

The general compost pile is dominated mainly by thermophilic bacteria, while vermicompost is
dominated mainly by mesophilic bacteria.

3. Processing speed

Compost takes a longer time than vermicompost to finish. Due to the temperature fluctuations
and maintenance, composting process takes more time.

4. Nutrient content

Vermicompost contains a greater amount of nutrients than compost. Worm casts are loaded with
nutrients and organic carbon that improve the soil’s health.

5. Mineral supplements

Vermicompost is rich in micronutrients, root hormones, and trace minerals, while compost is rich
in micronutrients and essential minerals. Due to the presence of root hormones and other plant
growth regulators, vermicompost accelerates plant growth rapidly.

6. Maintenance

Vermicompost requires less maintenance than the traditional composting process. In the normal
process, we need to turn the pile to supply oxygen and regulate temperature but in
vermicompost, the earthworms do this work. They dig tunnels and introduce oxygen, which
facilitates the activity of microorganisms. However, you need to keep an eye on the predators
and other pathogens that can kill the worms.

Best earthworm species for vermicomposting

Although there are various species of worms, some of them are known as the most effective ones
for the vermicomposting process. The nutrient content in the castings varies because of the
internal structure and performance of the species. Here, we will mention the best four species of
earthworms that are great for vermicomposting.

1. Red wiggler
They are considered the best, and these worms are scientifically known as Eisenia Fetida. They
can degrade the organic materials quickly because on a daily basis they can eat nearly half of
their weight.

2. African nightcrawler

These worms, known as Eudrilus Eugeniae, are horrible and very large. They can thrive well in
tropical condition and can withstand higher temperatures if provided with adequate moisture.
They are similar to red wigglers, and their castings are rich in nutrients.

3. Blue worm or Indian/Malaysian worm

These species are mainly found in the tropical regions of Asia. They are known as Perionyx
Excavatus and can grow up to 2.75 inches. They prefer to live in warmer temperature, and these
species reach their mature stage within a very short time (3 to 4 weeks).

These three species are regarded as the best ones for decomposing organic materials and making
high-quality vermicompost. The good thing is – many people sell these worms at a higher price.
For example, the price of 500 worms can be as high as $50.

How to make high-quality vermicompost

Making vermicompost is easier than making general compost. It is cost-effective and requires
less maintenance. Even if you don’t have sufficient space outdoor, you can easily make
vermicompost on your balcony or roof.

Things that are required to make high-quality vermicompost

 Compost bin

 Papers

 Kitchen and other organic wastes

 Water

 Earthworms

 Soil

Procedure to make vermicompost

1. A compost bin is important for producing vermicompost. Since we will use worms in this
composting system, it is necessary to confine them within limited space. A worm bin can be
ideal for this. However, make sure that the bin has multiple holes for removing excess water. If
you don’t want to use a plastic bin, then use a wooden one.

2. Once the bin selection is done, cover the holes by using papers. Leaving the holes opened will
increase the chance of escaping. Also, other animals or insects can enter the bin using those.

3. Now add soils and kitchen wastes to the bin and mix them properly. It is better to cut the
wastes into tiny pieces because earthworms can easily eat smaller pieces of those wastes. In
addition, it will also facilitate the decomposition process.

4. After this, add water and mix up everything. Don’t add too much water as it can create an
anaerobic condition.

5. When mixing is done, add the earthworms. African or European nightcrawlers, red wigglers
can be the best choice for beginners. After adding the earthworms to the bin, add more organic
wastes.

6. Finally cover the bin with a lid. Check the bin every two weeks.

You can add organic wastes regularly because it can improve the health of worms.

For making vermicompost, you don’t have to think about its maintenance. The worms will dig
the burrow and can aerate the bin. You have to only think about the feedings and food quality.

Which organic materials can enhance the growth of worms?

To produce high-quality vermicompost, you must focus on the provided foods. The growth and
reproduction rate of these macro-fauna depends on the supplied foods or the organic wastes.
Foods are important for vermicomposting because the wrong selection of organic materials can
kill the worms. Remember that you should feed the worms both green and brown organic
materials equally to optimize their growth. Here are the best organic materials to feed the
earthworms –

 Fruit peels (banana is the best one)

 Melon rinds

 Coffee grounds
  Cereal

 Carrots

 Teabags

 Bread

 Pasta

 Cucumbers

 Brown leaves

 Cornmeal

Now, let’s take a look at the worst foods that can harm or even kill the earthworms.

 Citrus or acidic fruits’ peels

 Onions and garlic

 Animal feces

 Potatoes and their peels

 Dairy products, meat, and fats

 Plastic and glasses

 Preservatives or chemicals

Citrus or acidic fruits can lower the pH, which can inhibit the growth of other essential
microorganisms. The smell of onions and garlic can expel the worms. Animal feces often contain
pathogens or parasitic germs that can cause massive death and infection. Plastics are not bio-
degradable, and glass pieces can destroy their internal organs.

Don’t do 4 common mistakes while making vermicompost

1. Don’t make the lid airtight

An airtight lid can create an anaerobic condition in the pile. Therefore, it will be an ideal choice
to use the meshed lid as a cover as it can supply oxygen. The lid should be easier to open without
causing any disturbances.
2. Wrong food or kitchen wastes

People throw all the decomposable materials into the bin expecting that the worms will
decompose the wastes, and this is a common mistake. These foods include – citrus or acidic
fruits, dairy products, meat, onions, garlic, oil, salt, etc. Never incorporate anything into the bin
that can make the pH acidic.

3. Temperature and moisture content

Temperature plays a crucial role in determining the activity of the earthworms. Although the
tolerance limit of each species of worms is different, there is a critical limit, below which the
earthworms don’t function well. The ideal temperature for all species is considered 15 to 25-
degree Celsius, and they may die above 35-degree Celsius.

As a living creature, every worm needs water to survive. The absence of water will force them to
mitigate, and even kill them. On the other hand, the soggy condition can make the pile
unhygienic as it can give rise to the anaerobic condition.

4. Imbalance of carbon and nitrogen in worms’ foods

Adding too many nitrogen-rich materials can cause overheating, which resultantly, can kill the
worms. Therefore, you should always provide an equal amount of carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich
materials to the bin.

How to know that vermicompost is ready

Many people often don’t realize if their vermicompost is ready to use or not. A common sign of
the final product is the colour, which is supposed to be darker. A fully black colour indicates that
the decomposition is perfectly finished. Here are some signs that will help you recognize that the
process is done, and the compost is ready to use –

1. Homogeneous texture

When the process will complete, the end product will have a uniform texture. It means that there
will be no trace of the organic materials. The texture will be crumbly and soft.

2. Smaller earthworms
When there is no organic material, the worms will not have anything to eat. As a result, they will
get smaller and have fewer offspring. Lesser offspring indicates that there is less reproduction in
the compost bin.

3. Reduced total volume

Observing the total volume is another way to identify that the processing is done. When the
organic materials are decomposed, the total volume will decrease by half, and the materials will
feel lighter.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I determine the pH of the pile?

Answer: You can buy a pH meter online but this meter is quite expensive.

2. Why are the earthworms escaping the bin?

Answer: There can be several reasons for this. Too much moisture content, overfeeding,
insufficient ventilation and hazardous materials are the main factors that can drive the worms. If
you notice that the worms are escaping the bin, try to maintain the balance.

3. Why are the worms dying in the bin?

Answer: Firstly, check for the exotic insects as they can kill the worms. In addition, sometimes
parasitic attack or pathogens can also infect the earthworms. If this is not the case, then look for
the moisture condition, oxygen, toxicity, raw materials, and poisoning.

4. When can I harvest the vermicompost?

Answer: Generally, it takes 4-5 weeks to create high-quality vermicompost. So, you can harvest
it after 4-5 weeks. Also, you can freely add organic wastes on a regular basis to continue feeding
them.