This week, I had a look at the fascinating world of vermicomposting in the Green School Village basement. The system features two setups with California red worms working tirelessly to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertilizer. It’s a small yet impactful way to close the loop on organic waste. Here’s a deeper dive into how it works.
The worms live in a series of trays designed for their comfort and efficiency. Their bedding is made from shredded paper (preferably unbleached and without ink prints). Egg cartons or recycled paper are ideal options. The paper is soaked briefly in water before being added, providing essential moisture, carbon, and air pockets for the worms to thrive.
When adding food scraps, it’s important to mix in the soaked paper or cardboard. This combination ensures a balance between nitrogen from the food and carbon from the paper. Gentle stirring with a stick helps aerate the habitat, keeping it oxygen-rich and preventing unpleasant odors. Observing the trays, you’ll notice the worms tend to congregate where the food is freshest, often stretching across two trays.
The vermicomposting setup is straightforward but highly effective:
In the upper trays the worms live and process food scraps into compost. Regular aeration and careful monitoring keep the worms active and healthy.
The lower compartments collect the finished compost—dark, crumbly, and full of nutrients.
The compost can be mixed into soil for pots or planters in urban settings. In gardens, it can be spread directly or combined with sand and gravel for seedlings.
Harvesting the liquid product is done trough the system’s tap at the bottom. It collects liquid fertilizer, also known as “compost tea.” This nutrient-rich liquid is stored in reused glass bottles, such as old juice or nectar containers. To use compost tea, dilute it 1:10 with water and feed it to plants. It’s an excellent boost for flowers, vegetables, and even houseplants.
The reason vermicomposting is so useful lies in its simplicity and impact. It turns everyday food scraps into valuable resources, reducing waste and nurturing the soil. For urban dwellers, it’s an ideal way to contribute to sustainability, even in small spaces. For gardeners, it’s a cost-effective way to enrich their soil naturally.
Tips for Vermicomposting at Home :
Feed the worms the right way: Shred and soak paper to create bedding and carbon sources.
Balance and aerate: Mix food scraps with bedding and stir regularly to keep the environment healthy.
Use the compost: Add finished compost to planters, pots, or gardens for better soil quality.
Make use of compost tea: Dilute it properly and use it to water plants for a natural fertilizer boost.
The vermicomposting system is more than a method for waste management. It’s a powerful tool for creating healthier plants and a greener planet. Whether you have a backyard or just a small balcony, setting up a vermicompost system is a simple, rewarding way to give back to the earth. So, next time you toss a food scrap, think about the potential it holds to enrich the soil and nourish life.
