Make your own Worm Casting

What are Worm Castings?

Worm castings, also known as Vermicast. are the excreted waste from earth worms which can be used as an organic form of fertilizer for plants. As earthworm eats compost, they produce waste that is an optimal soil enricher. Worm castings resemble oval-shaped particles that improve soil aeration and drainage, as well as increase water retention in the soil.

How to Make Worm Castings

Worm bins or boxes can be purchased or constructed and come in various sizes and styles.
• Bins should be between 8 and 12 inches in depth, with drainage holes in the bottom. Deeper containers trap more odors.
• Smaller bins work better in the home, fitting just beneath the sink or other similar area.
• Layer the bottom with sand and strips of moist newspaper, then add compost, manure, or leaf litter
• Add another layer layer of moist newspaper strips and soil.
• Add some worms and food, such as kitchen scraps or garden waste.

Removing Worms and Collecting the Castings

Dump the content of the coasting box on a flat surface with newspaer or plastic. Collect the worms and add them to a fresh vermicompost bin, collect the leftover castings for immediate or later use.

Alternative Method

Move the worm castings to one side of the bin and add fresh food on this side and within a couple of weeks, the worms should migrate over. Remove the castings once the worms have migrated over to the new bedding.