Vermicompost is the product of earthworm digestion and aerobic decomposition using
the activities of micro- and macroorganisms. Vermicomposting, or worm composting,
produces a rich, organic soil containing an assortment of plant nutrients and beneficial
microorganisms.

Each tray consists of four solid sides, an open top, and a bottom covered in a hardware
screen. The trays interlock when stacked on top of each other, creating layers for
the composting.

The bottom layer is filled with bedding, food scraps. and some worms. Kitchen and
paper scraps are placed in this layer until it is full, then new bedding and scraps
are placed in the next tray up.

The worms naturally move up through the screen towards the new scraps, repeating the
composting process.

There are several benefits for vermicomposting but the two most popular are (1) diverting
food waste from the landfill and reducing trash collection fees and (2) creating resources
from waste materials.

Vermicomposting can be utilized in gardens to promote plant growth. This nutrient
rich soil will provide plants with valuable organic matter, nutrients, and a diversity
of beneficial microbes.

Fun Fact: 8,000 to 12,000 worms can process 5-8 pounds of food per week!

Our vermicomposting bed can be found in one of our greenhouses at the Sustainability
Center as the material is being used as a based for compost tea. 
                                                                                 
                              Image by Gardenersedge

Please contact the Sustainability Office at (985) 549-3333 to learn more about Vermicompost
and other sustainable initiatives and scheduling a tour of Southeastern’s Sustainability
Center, email us at [email protected].