Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting or Vermiculture is a composting method where worms convert food scraps into two of the best amendments on earth: worm castings, a fancy name for worm poop, and worm tea, a liquid fertilizer derived from either castings and/or the leachate collected from a worm bin.
Vermicomposting is a great way to compost for people who don’t have yard waste, live in apartments, condominiums, or mobile home parks. The worms do most of the work so it would also be an easy method for someone who doesn’t have the capacity, time, or strength to do regular composting with yard waste. This type of composting can also be done in a classroom!
This is a completely different system from backyard composting because it does not use yard waste, and is most commonly done in a container which allows for the collection of the leachate. It is neat, easy, and odorless when done correctly.
Free Class
Riverside County Department of Waste Resources offers a FREE class that teaches residents about vermicomposting. Residents learn how to make a worm bin, the science behind the creation of worm castings and leachate, how to care for the worms, make bedding, and harvest a worm bin.
Make Your Own Worm Bin Workshop
The Make Your Own Worm Bin class is currently available as an on-demand video. Classes are offered several times a year in-person at our HQ office.
On-Demand Vermicomposting & Make Your Own Worm Bin Classes
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Vermicomposting Resources
Worm composting is one of the easiest ways to recycle food waste. Worm castings, worm poop, black gold, or whatever you want to call it, all consists of the same thing: highly concentrated, nutrient-packed, fertilizer that can be used on gardens and house plants.
Benefits of Vermicomposting:
- Improves the physical structure of the soil
- Enriches soil with micro-organisms
- Improves water holding capacity of soil
- Enhances germinations, plant growth, and crop yield
- Improves root growth and structure
- Reduces amount of waste going to landfills!
Recommended Reading
Worms Eat My Garbage, by Mary Applehof (Flower Press, 1997)
Make Your Own Worm Bin Kit
Learn how to build your very own worm bin kit!
Make Your Own Worm Bin Class Material List
Class attendees: Use this material list to know what items to bring to our MYOWB class.
Red Wiggler Worm Suppliers
Document
Find local and national red wiggler worm suppliers to use in your vermicomposting bin.
Vermicomposting
A 24-page pamphlet that serves as an introduction to Vermicomposting. We recommend printing in booklet mode.
Lombricultura
Folleto de 24 páginas que sirve como introducción a Lombricultura. Recomendamos imprimir en modo folleto.
Composting Resources
Not sure that vermicomposting is for you? We offer FREE composting classes and resources for residents who want to learn how to compost yard, fruit, and vegetable trimmings at home.
The schedule is subject to change without notice. Events may close due to inclement weather. If you require reasonable accommodations, please call our main office at least one week before the event. Please check back often for schedule updates.