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Worms in Compost: Are they a Friend or a Foe?

Composting is the breakdown of organic materials, such as food waste, vegetable scraps, leaves, and plants, to a nutrient-rich soil ideal for gardening. Worm farms or composting worms, or what we call “little helpers”, speed up the process of composting. This process of adding worms in composting is referred to as vermicomposting.

The end product of decomposition from earthworms is 100% organic. No chemicals were used to speed up the composting process.

Organic

As the farm worms pass through the compost, microorganisms such as bacteria and other microbes are introduced into the soil making it resilient to diseases and pests in the garden.

Introduction of Microorganisms

Thick Brush Stroke

Good Growth

Gardeners noticed improved growth and a better production because of vermicomposting. It is believed that the earthworms release hormones which make the plant healthier and yield good root growth.

The nutrients brought about by vermicomposting are raw which makes it easily absorbed by the roots. Due to worm mucus in the compost, vermicomposts are not easily flushed away, thus allowing plants to gain maximum nutrients from the soil at an extended span of time.

Healthful

Vermicomposts can retain more water than ordinary composts. This is beneficial especially in times of drought.

Retention of Water

Worms in composts have proved their valuable effect in composting. Although it has also its flaws, it is really up to the gardener’s decision whether he will make these worms as his allies or consider it as something bad in his gardening. How about you? Would you try vermicomposting? Or would you prefer the less-hassle way of composting? DO share your thoughts.

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