How to make vermicompost at home with easy steps
If you want to provide natural fertilizer to your plants instead of chemical fertilizers, then vermicompost is the best option. It not only provides nutrition to the plants but also improves the quality of the soil. The best part – you can easily make it at home!
What is vermicompost?
Vermicompost is a type of organic fertilizer made with the help of earthworms. Earthworms eat organic waste (such as vegetable peels, dry leaves, etc.) and turn it into black, crumbly manure rich in nutrients.
Materials required to make vermicompost
You need:
Earthworms (Red Wigglers or Eisenia fetida) – These can be procured from the nearest nursery or online.
Container/Box – Large plastic or clay box (in which holes can be made).
Bedding material – dry leaves, torn newspapers, old cardboard
Organic Waste – Kitchen waste like vegetable peels, fruit pieces, egg shells, etc.
Soil – A little bit of normal soil to provide a starting environment for the earthworms.
How to Make Vermi Compost at Home – Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Container
Take a plastic tub or pot (60–90-liter capacity is sufficient).
Make small holes at the bottom and sides to allow excess water to drain out and maintain air circulation.
Step 2: Create the Base Layer (Bedding)
Create a 5-6 inch layer of bedding at the bottom :
Dry leaves.
Shredded newspaper.
Fine-shredded cardboard.
Moisten it slightly, so that it remains moist (not too wet).
Step 3: Add the Earthworms
Add 250–500 grams of red wiggler earthworms to this bedding.
Allow them to set according to the environment for a day or two.
Step 4: Add organic waste
Add small amounts of kitchen waste every 2–3 days:
Vegetable Peels.
Rhubarb crumble.
Eggshells.
Tea leaf.
Cut the waste into small pieces and add it so that it decomposes quickly.
What not to add:
Food with oil/ghee (clarified butter).
Meat, fish, dairy products.
Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges).
Plastic, metal, glass.
Step 5: Cover
Put a layer of dry leaves or newspaper over the garbage every time. This will prevent foul smells and flies.
Step 6: Perform routine care
Turn and mix gently every week (not too much).
Keep in mind that the container should not be too dry or too wet.
Protect from strong sunlight and rain. Keep in a shady place.
How much time does it take for the manure to be ready?
Generally, vermicompost is ready in 45 to 60 days.
How to identify?
Looks like black, crumbly soil.
smells like soil.
Earthworms become less visible (they move to the bottom).
How to Remove Earthworms?
Keep the compost in the light.
The earthworms will go down.
Take out the prepared manure from above.
Reuse the remaining soil and earthworms in the same container.
Benefits of Vermi Compost
Accelerates the growth of plants.
Increases soil fertility.
Improves water holding capacity.
Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Completely safe for the environment.
Tips and Precautions
Keep the container in a cool place in summer.
Protect it from excessive moisture during the rainy season—be sure to use a cover.
Don't add too much fertilizer at once; add it gradually.
If there is a foul smell, then understand that there is too much garbage or too much moisture – add dry newspaper.
Conclusion
Making vermicompost is not only easy, but it also turns your kitchen waste into “black gold”. Once you learn the process, it becomes a habit. Seeing the smiles on your plants and the health of your soil will give you satisfaction and pride.
Now it's your turn—start vermicomposting at home today. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments!