There are several species of vermicomposting worms but the most common are Eisenia fetida and E. Instead, worms commonly known as redworms or red wigglers are preferred because they reproduce rapidly, are communal and tend to remain on the surface while feeding. These are soil-dwelling worms that do not process large amounts of food waste and don’t reproduce well in confined spaces. Typical earthworms that you find in your garden are not suitable for vermicomposting. Vermicompost can be mixed with potting media at a rate of 10% by volume or else added directly into your soil both options will provide plants with valuable organic matter, nutrients, and a diversity of beneficial microbes.

Vermicomposting can be a fun activity for school children, and vermicompost can be utilized in gardens to promote plant growth.

There are several benefits for vermicomposting but the two most popular are (1) diverting organic residuals from the landfill and reducing trash collection fees and (2) creating resources from waste materials. Vermicomposting, or worm composting, produces a rich organic soil amendment containing a diversity of plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Vermicompost is the product of earthworm digestion and aerobic decomposition using the activities of micro- and macroorganisms at room temperature. What’s more, vermicomposting can be a powerful educational tool for teaching children about decomposition, microbiology, earthworms and the importance of managing organic residuals such as food waste at home. However, backyard composting may not be an option for many individuals that wish to divert their materials from the landfill because they lack yard space, time or energy or else live in a rental unit therefore, vermicomposting becomes an attractive alternative.

These materials can be easily composted in municipal and backyard composting systems and fortunately, composting collection programs have been increasing with increasing waste generation. Yard debris and food waste combined account for nearly 30% of the materials disposed in US landfills. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated about 254 million tons of trash in 2013, which is the equivalent of 4.40 pounds per person per day. Solid waste generation in the United States continues to rise at a steady rate. This article is an excerpt from Rodale Institute’s “A Simple Guide to Vermicomposting.” Click here to download the full guide.

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