What is vermicomposting?

 Vermes is the Latin word for worms. Vermicomposting is the practice of using worms in concentrated populations to convert organic waste materials into usable castings or vermicompost.  

 A worm bin can be used as an indoor vermicomposting system. It can easily be set up in an apartment or a home in order to compost spent organic products all year round.  When fed solely plant and fruit scraps, there are no foul smells involved. The worms will do most of the work and you will reap the rewards!

 What type of worms is used in indoor vermicomposting?

Worms have been playing a crucial role for millennia recycling organic matter back into humus. Because of their tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions and their high density growth habit, Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus rubellus are red worm species that have been identified by scientists as being the most useful in small scale indoor vermicomposting systems. These common epigenic worms can be found in practically all parts of the world feeding on decaying vegetation on the soil’s surface layer.

What are the benefits of vermicomposting?

• Reduces landfill massProduces worm castings which can be used as a pH neutral soil amendment rich in bioavailable plant nutrients and beneficial bacteria and fungi
• Increases our awareness of the amount of waste products we generate on a daily basis

What are the benefits of worm castings as a soil amendment?

• Improves the ability of the soil to absorb and retain moisture

• Provides a highly concentrated, bioavailable, pH neutral source of essential nutrients needed by plants
• Provide a source of the growth stimulating hormone Auxin
• Provides a source of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and other beneficial fungi that increase the bioavailability of nutrients to plant root systems and boost plant immunity to pathological (disease-causing) microorganisms, insects, and nematodes.

Please join the hundreds of individuals and families that are already using worm composting systems to recycle their food and plant waste products. Make an impact! Start vermicomposting today!

Res Viridis                                                919-399-6348