Composting with worms, also known as vermicomposting, is an excellent way to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. As your worms diligently break down the materials, they create a dark, crumbly substance known as worm castings or worm compost. This nutrient-rich material is a valuable resource for enriching soil and promoting plant growth. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of separating finished worm compost, allowing you to harvest the black gold produced by these amazing decomposers.
Step 1: Prepare your tools and materials
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
Plastic sheet or tarp: Use this to create a clean working surface for separating the compost.
Containers or buckets: Have a few containers or buckets ready to collect the separated compost.
Gardening gloves: Protect your hands from any debris or potential irritants.
Step 2: Set up the compost separation area
Choose a well-lit area, preferably outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Lay the plastic sheet or tarp on the ground to catch any spills or loose materials. Place your containers nearby, ensuring they are easily accessible.
Step 3: Stop feeding the worms
About two weeks before you plan to separate the compost, stop adding fresh food scraps to the worm bin. This allows the worms to finish processing the remaining materials and move away from the fresh scraps.
Step 4: Create a separation zone
Create a separation zone in your worm bin by moving the partially decomposed materials to one side. This separation zone will help you harvest the finished compost without disturbing the active worm population.
Step 5: Wait for the worms to migrate
Worms are photophobic, meaning they are averse to light. Take advantage of this behavior by exposing the separation zone to bright light. Cover the exposed area with a layer of fresh food scraps or a piece of cardboard to attract the worms. Over the next few days, the worms will migrate towards the food and away from the finished compost.
Step 6: Harvest the compost
Once the worms have migrated to the fresh food scraps, carefully remove the top layer of compost. Set it aside on the plastic sheet or tarp. This layer may contain some remaining worms and unprocessed materials. The worms can be gently collected and returned to the active side of the worm bin.
Step 7: Screen the compost
To separate any remaining worms and larger debris from the compost, use a mesh screen or sieve. Place the screen over one of the containers or buckets and gradually transfer the compost onto it. Gently shake or sift the compost to allow the fine, finished worm compost to pass through the screen, while retaining any worms, egg capsules, or larger particles.
Step 8: Collect the finished worm compost
As you sift the compost, you will notice the rich, dark worm castings falling into the container below the screen. Continue this process until all the compost has been sifted, removing any remaining worms or debris.
Separating finished worm compost is a rewarding process that allows you to collect the valuable end product of your vermicomposting efforts. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a successful harvest while preserving your worm population. Remember to return any remaining worms to their active bin and enjoy the fruits of your composting labor by incorporating the finished worm compost into your garden soil or potting mixes.
Let’s Go Compost is a community-led effort to make compost bins free and accessible. We upcycle empty bulk ingredient bins into free, food-safe worm compost bins that are donated back to the community. Click here to get a free compost bin at our next pick up event.