Vermi-composting

Vermi-composting very different from backyard composting, as it relies largely on the digestive tracts of a species of worm, the red wiggler, to convert the organic material to a compost-like material known as castings. The castings are still very nutrient rich and when mixed with soil make excellent fertilizer for outdoor and indoor plants.

Vermi-composting's advantages over backyard composting are that it can take place indoors and at smaller scales. Although it is possible to have a vermi-composter outside, it is not recommended in Ontario due to cold winter temperatures and the risk of the worms escaping. Maintained properly, an indoor vermi-composter does not smell.

The pages in this section explain how to set up and maintain a vermi-composter. It is important that only red wiggler worms are used, as regular earthworms will not tolerate the high-organic environment.

A group of Guelphites is getting together starting in 2012 to support, talk about, promote and learn more about vermicomposting. To join the Guelph Vermicomposting Network, send an email to guelphwormnetwork@gmail.com