Vermicomposting

Worms are efficient eaters, and you can use them to convert kitchen scraps into compost through a process called vermicomposting. It reduces landfill waste and provides you with a great soil amendment.

Vermicomposting is fun and easy. You can construct your own worm bin or purchase a ready-made bin. Then you'll need worms, and red wigglers (also called redworms) are the kind you'll need.

Create bedding for your worms with non-toxic, fluffy materials like shredded newspaper, composted manure, peat moss, or any combination of these. Keep the bedding moist but not wet.

Your worms need a dark, cool place to work, so keep your bin out of the sun and make sure it has air holes. Once they're set up, one pound of worms can eat half a pound of food scraps every day!

UF/IFAS Publications

• Make Compost with Worms (PDF)
• Vermicomposting: Where the Worm Squirms and You Benefit! (PDF)
• Worms Can Turn Kitchen Scraps Into Rich Compost (PDF)
• Worms Eat My Garbage (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Earthworms in the Landscape
• Organic Gardens
• Organic Fertilizers
• Soil Amendments
• Starting Your Own Compost

Other Sites

• Composting with Red Wiggler Worms--Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture
• Composting with Redworms--Washington State University Extension of Whatcom County
• Vermicomposting--U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Worm Composting 101--eXtension.org
• Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage--North Carolina Cooperative Extension