What Is Vermicompost?

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Vermicompost

Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer and soil conditioner produced through the natural decomposition of organic waste by earthworms — most commonly, Eisenia fetida, also known as red wigglers. These little wriggly workers break down kitchen scraps, garden waste, and biodegradable matter into a dark, earthy-smelling material that’s fantastic for plants.

How Does Vermicomposting Work?

Worms eat organic matter like vegetable peels, leaves, coffee grounds, etc.

Their digestive systems break it down and enrich it with beneficial microbes. 

The result? A crumbly, black, humus-like substance called vermicast (worm poop), which is the actual vermicompost.

Panchgavya (also spelled Panchagavya) is a traditional organic preparation used in Indian agriculture and Ayurveda. The word Panchgavya comes from Sanskrit, where:

  • “Panch” means five

  • “Gavya” means products obtained from cows

So, Panchgavya literally means “a mixture of five cow-derived products.”

Vermiwash is a liquid bio-fertilizer collected after water passes through a column of earthworm-rich compost. It contains enzymes, mucus, vitamins, and nutrients that promote plant growth, enhance soil microbes, and act as a natural pest repellent—perfect for organic farming.

Jeevamrit is a powerful organic liquid fertilizer made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, gram flour, and soil. Rich in beneficial microbes, it boosts soil fertility, promotes plant health, and enhances crop yield—an ideal natural tonic for sustainable and chemical-free farming.

Beeja Amrit is a traditional seed treatment solution made from cow dung, cow urine, lime, and a handful of soil. Used in organic farming, it protects seeds from fungal infections, enhances germination, and boosts early plant growth—ensuring healthy, chemical-free cultivation from the start.

Teekha Satt is a natural organic pesticide made from fermented cow urine, green chili, garlic, and neem leaves. It effectively repels harmful pests, protects crops, and supports eco-friendly farming. This powerful homemade bio-repellent is safe for plants, soil, and beneficial insects.

Dashparni Ark is a fermented organic pest repellent made from extracts of ten medicinal plants including neem, tulsi, and custard apple leaves. Rich in natural insecticidal properties, it helps control pests, improves crop health, and is widely used in organic and zero-budget natural farming.

Brahmastra is a potent organic pesticide prepared using cow urine, neem, dhatura, garlic, and other medicinal herbs. Fermented naturally, it helps eliminate leaf-eating insects, borers, and fungal issues. Widely used in organic farming, it protects crops while preserving soil and plant health.

Key Benefits of Vermicompost

  • ✅ Boosts Soil Fertility – Packed with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK), and trace minerals.

  • ✅ Improves Soil Structure – Enhances aeration, moisture retention, and microbial activity.

  • ✅ Eco-Friendly – Reduces landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

  • ✅ Cost-Effective – Homemade and sustainable for long-term use.

  • ✅ Safe for Plants – 100% organic and chemical-free.

Vermicompost making
Vermi Wash

Where Is Vermicompost Used?

 

  • 🌿 Home Gardening

  • 🌾 Organic Farming

  • 🌸 Nurseries and Landscaping

  • 🏫 Educational Projects

  • 🌍 Waste Management Systems

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🌿 Step-by-Step Vermicomposting Process

🪴 Step 1: Choose the Right Spot

Pick a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated area — indoors or outdoors. Avoid direct sunlight and heavy rain. It could be:

  • A balcony

  • Backyard

  • Garage

  • Shed

🪣 Options:

  • Plastic container with a lid (drilled with air holes)

  • Wooden box

  • Clay pot (for small-scale use)

Size Suggestion:

  • For kitchen waste: 60cm x 45cm x 30cm (L x W x H) is ideal

Tip: Add a tray or tap at the bottom for collecting worm tea (liquid fertilizer)!

 

Create a comfy bed for the worms. It should retain moisture and allow airflow.

Good Bedding Materials:

  • Shredded newspaper/cardboard

  • Dry leaves

  • Coco peat

  • Straw or hay

Moisten the bedding slightly — it should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

Use Eisenia fetida (red wigglers) – they’re composting champions!

  • Add around 500–1000 worms (for home use)

  • Spread them evenly on top of the bedding

  • Leave them for a day to settle in

Start feeding your worms once they’ve settled (1–2 days later).

✅ Feed This:

  • Veggie & fruit peels

  • Tea bags & coffee grounds

  • Crushed eggshells

  • Banana peels

  • Cooked rice (plain & limited)

❌ Avoid:

  • Meat, fish, dairy

  • Citrus or spicy items

  • Oily food

  • Onion & garlic in large amounts

  • Plastics, glass, synthetic waste

Chop the waste into small pieces to speed up decomposition.

Keep it Healthy:

  • Moisture: Keep it damp, not soaked

  • Turn Gently: Every 7–10 days to aerate

  • Odour: Should smell earthy — foul smell = too much food or moisture

Cover the bin with a jute sack or cardboard to keep pests away.

When?

  • After 45–60 days, depending on conditions

Signs It’s Ready:

  • Black or dark brown

  • Crumbly texture

  • No foul smell

  • Little to no visible food left

How to Harvest:

  1. Push compost to one side of the bin.

  2. Add fresh food to the other side.

  3. Worms will migrate to the new food.

  4. Collect the compost after a few days.

You can also use light to drive worms down, then scoop the top compost

If your bin has a drainage outlet:

  • Collect the liquid (vermiwash) in a bottle

  • Dilute 1:10 with water before spraying on plants

Mix the finished vermicompost into:

  • Potted plant soil

  • Vegetable gardens

  • Flower beds

  • Lawn topsoil

  • Don’t overfeed worms — add small amounts every 2–3 days

  • Keep bin covered to avoid pests

  • Use multiple bins if composting at a larger scale

  • Worms reproduce! Your worm population will grow with time

🐛 Summary Table

 

StepDescription
1Choose a shaded location
2Prepare bin with holes for airflow
3Add moist bedding
4Introduce red wigglers
5Add organic waste (no meat/dairy)
6Maintain moisture and turn weekly
7Harvest compost after 45–60 days
8Collect and use vermiwash (optional)
9Apply compost to plants and soil

FAQs About Vermicompost ❓

What is vermicompost?

Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer produced by earthworms as they break down biodegradable waste materials like kitchen scraps, cow dung, and plant residues.

  • Enhances soil fertility and texture

  • Boosts plant growth and yield

  • Improves water retention in soil

  • Contains beneficial microbes and enzymes

  • 100% natural and chemical-free

Unlike traditional compost, vermicompost is created using earthworms (especially Eisenia fetida) which accelerate decomposition and add extra nutrients like enzymes, growth promoters, and beneficial bacteria.

Yes! Vermicompost is safe and effective for vegetables, flowers, indoor plants, fruit trees, lawns, and even potted plants.

  • Mix into soil: 20–30% vermicompost with garden soil

  • As top dressing: Sprinkle around the plant base

  • In pots: Use 1–2 handfuls per plant every 15–30 days

By: Vermicomposts

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