10/08/2026
🪱 Vermicomposting — Overview
What It Is
Vermicomposting uses specific earthworm species to digest organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer called vermicast / worm castings. It is a low-temperature, biological decomposition process — no high heat phase — ideal for the Philippine climate.
🪱 Common Worm Species Used in PH
- African Nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) — most widely used in PH; fast-growing, large, tolerates tropical heat up to ~30°C
- Indian Blue Worm (Perionyx excavatus) — also popular; thrives in warm conditions
- Red Wiggler (Eisenia fetida) — common worldwide; also works well
⚙️ How It Works
1. Prepare bedding: shredded cardboard, rice straw, coconut husk, or dried leaves; keep moist like a damp sponge
2. Add worms: 1 kg worms can eat ~1 kg organic waste per day
3. Feed: kitchen scraps, fruit/vegetable peels, animal manure (chicken, cow, horse), crop residues — avoid citrus, salt, meat/oil, dairy
4. Maintain: keep temp 20–30°C, moisture 60–70%, pH near neutral; cover to keep dark & moist
5. Harvest: in 30–60 days — worms convert waste into dark, granular vermicast; separate worms & reuse
⚠️ Limitations
- ❌ Temperature-sensitive: above 32°C or below 18°C → worms slow down/die; needs shade/cooling in summer
- ❌ Cannot process: large woody material, bones, fats, dairy, citrus, salty waste
- ❌ Requires moisture & protection: needs cover from heavy rain & direct sun
- ❌ Slower for very large volumes: better suited for household → community → farm scale; less for municipal tons/day