Worm Factory Compost

Worm composting is using worms to transform table scraps and kitchen leavings to a valuable soil amendment called vericompost or castings or vericast.

Your worm factory works, in theory, like any other factory. You input raw material (household garbage), it is transformed in the factory (through the worms), and then you have the output for sale or use. In this case your product is worm factory compost.

The worm factory compost is ready for distribution when there are (a) few to no scraps of uneaten food or bedding and (b) no worms left in it. In preparing the worm factory compost for harvest, start by clearing an area at one end of the worm compost bin. In this clear area put new food and new bedding. Stop putting food in the old side. The worms will slowly eat their way out of the compost and into the new material.

When the worm factory compost is removed from the bin carefully sift it to remove seeds, pits or other material that the worms did not digest. And seeds allowed to remain may choose to sprout up later where the compost is used.

Worm factory compost is also known as worm castings, vermicompost or vermicast. It is far richer in soil nutrients than the compost produced by the more traditional methods. Microbial life thrives in it and they will help break down the nutrients stored in regular soil so plants may absorb it. Although not a pleasant thought, worm factory compost is filled with worm mucus. This acts as a binding agent to keep nuturents from washing away in the rain.

Worm factory compost will benefit your soil by: *improving its physical structure * enriching soil in micro-organisms * attracting deep burrowing earthworms already present in the soil * improving water holding capacity * enhancing germination, plant growth, and crop yield; and * improving root growth and structure.

Worm factory compost can also be used in the manufacture of compost tea. This is done by mixing the castings with water and allowing them to seep for a specified number of hours. The resultant liquid should be kept cool and used immediately so that the live micro-organisms will remain alive to do their job. Compost tea can be sprayed directly onto the leaves of growing plants and will be absorbed through the leaves. While the leaf application has proven to be the most effective use of compost tea, it is also beneficial to pour any remaining tea around the root system.

The water that drains from the drain holes in the bottom of the bin is also rich in nutrients. The pH level and nutrient level will vary depending on what the worms have eaten recently so it is a good idea to check the pH level before applying.

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