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Vermicomposting FAQs
If your question is not answered in our FAQs, please email inquiries@mmsb.nl.ca to submit your question.
What is vermicomposting?What is vermicompost?Why is it called vermicomposting?What are worm castings?How does vermicomposting help the environment?I'm squeamish around worms, can I still vermicompost?Can I have a vermicompost bin in my classroom at school?How big do the worms get? Can I use the worms in my backyard for vermicomposting?Do I have to have a garden to vermicompost?Will I always need to buy new worms?If my worms keep reproducing, will I end up with too many worms?Do I need to get worms for my backyard compost bin?If I cut a worm in half, will I get two worms?Will the vermicompost bin smell bad?If the worms leave the bin will they get all over my house?What do I do with my worms when I go on vacation?Can I leave my vermicompost bin outside?Can I keep my vermicompost bin in my basement?What is vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting is composting with worms. It is typically done indoors in a closed bin populated with red wiggler worms that eat organic waste and expel it as worm castings, or droppings.
topWhat is vermicompost?
Vermicompost is a combination of worm castings and decomposed organic material, as well as worms, worm cocoons, and other decomposer organisms. It is the end product of the vermicomposting process.
topWhy is it called vermicomposting?
Vermi is Latin for worm. Vermicomposting simply means composting with worms.
topWhat are worm castings?
Worm castings are the worm's droppings or manure. Worm castings contain decomposed organic material, soil, and bacteria.
topHow does vermicomposting help the environment?
Vermicomposting lets us recycle just like nature does. A vermicompost bin mimics natural processes, allowing organic waste to break down into nutrient-rich compost, which can be returned to the soil to help new things grow. Vermicomposting helps the environment in the following ways:
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topI'm squeamish around worms, can I still vermicompost?
Yes. You will need some comfort-level around worms, as you will see and touch some worms when you add food waste and harvest the finished vermicompost. With daily use you will rarely see many worms, as they like to stay below the bedding surface. You may notice that the worms aren't as "gross" as you may have expected them to be and you may start to love worms.
topCan I have a vermicompost bin in my classroom at school?
Yes. Composting with worms is a great way to show your students how organic waste breaks down naturally. Vermicomposting is fun and interesting for all grade levels. Contact us to request a vermicomposting demonstration for your class or have a look at our Guide to Classroom Vermicomposting.
topHow big do the worms get?
Mature red wiggler worms are small and thin, normally measuring between 50 and 100mm. As a comparison, nightcrawlers, which you usually find in your garden, are much larger, normally measuring between 110-300mm.
topCan I use the worms in my backyard for vermicomposting?
No. The types of worms you find in your backyard - like nightcrawlers - are great for your garden and your backyard compost bin, but they're not suited for vermicomposting. Nightcrawlers are known for burrowing and transporting organic material deep into the soil, as opposed to decomposing surface waste. In addition, nightcrawlers will try to leave your bin if they are disturbed. Red wiggler worms are surface dwellers that are specially adapted to the environment of decomposing organic waste and don't mind being disturbed or kept in captivity.
topDo I have to have a garden to vermicompost?
No. Vermicomposting is done indoors in a closed bin. For this reason, it's the perfect solution for apartment dwellers who want to recycle their organic waste. You can use harvested vermicompost on your houseplants or give it away as a gift.
topWill I always need to buy new worms?
No. Once you invest in a supply red wiggler worms for your vermicompost bin, you won't need to buy any more. Red wigglers reproduce quickly and the worms and cocoons can be retained during the harvesting process for future use.
topIf my worms keep reproducing, will I end up with too many worms?
No. Although red wiggler worms reproduce quickly, you will not have an overpopulation problem in your bin. Worms will only reproduce when the proper conditions are present and populations will adapt to the amount of space and food available.
topDo I need to get worms for my backyard compost bin?
No. You do not need to add worms to your backyard compost bin like you do with a vermicompost bin. Worms will naturally migrate up from the soil to populate your backyard compost bin. It is helpful, however, to add more worms (and other decomposers) to your backyard bin by adding a few shovels of garden soil.
topIf I cut a worm in half, will I get two worms?
No. Worms have the ability to regenerate tissue, but that ability is limited. If a worm loses a piece of its tail it can grow a new one, but a worm can't grow a new head. Worms are living creatures and should not be intentionally harmed.
topWill the vermicompost bin smell bad?
No. The vermicompost bin will have a fresh, earthy smell. The only time offensive odors will be present is if the wrong material (like meat or dairy) is added, the bin is overloaded with food or the food is left exposed on top of the bedding, or if the compost has too little oxygen flow. Following the proper procedures will ensure your bin stays odor-free.
topIf the worms leave the bin will they get all over my house?
No. In the unlikely event that the worms do migrate from your bin, they won't get very far. You may find them alive around the bottom of the bin, where you can pick them up and place them back in the bedding. Otherwise, you may find them dried up on the floor surrounding the bin.
topWhat do I do with my worms when I go on vacation?
Before going on vacation, feed your worms and, if your house temperature will drop below 15?, insulate the bin by placing a rug underneath and moving it away from exterior walls. If you will be away for more than a month, arrange to have a friend or family member take care of your bin.
topCan I leave my vermicompost bin outside?
It is not recommended. Although vermicomposting can be done outdoors, our climate in Newfoundland and Labrador makes it a bit difficult. Worms prefer a temperature between 15-25? and don't like to be in drafty areas or under direct heat. If you do keep your vermicompost bin outdoors for part of the year, make sure it is properly insulated.
topCan I keep my vermicompost bin in my basement?
Yes. You can keep your vermicompost bin in your basement if you keep the bin insulated from drafts and cold floors. It is, however, recommended that you keep your bin in a location where it is convenient and easy to access, like near your kitchen, where you will be producing organic waste.
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