What is the difference between ordinary composting and vermicomposting?
We tend to think of composting as part of natural recycling. Although the process is indeed natural, a compost heap is man-made, consisting of many different components such as grass cuttings, tea bags, manure and cardboard. Humans have learnt to manipulate this natural process to their advantage (think fermenting fruit and wine). In vermicomposting, we take this a step further by deliberately providing the environment needed to enhance a large worm population. This harnesses the enormous benefits that worms bestow on the composting process. Why do worms benefit composting? Earthworms are important to the soil community for many reasons. They are decomposers, facilitating the breakdown of organic matter in and on top of the soil, and in your compost heap. Most people are aware that worms are beneficial to the soil. Worms actually consume the microbes that are themselves consuming the decaying plant matter. When they rid themselves of their waste, the worm casts are enhanced with many m
