How-To

Using and Making Vermicompost

Simple, step by step guide to get more from your soil and keep your worms thriving.

Use Vermicompost

Start a Worm Farm

Using Vermicompost

Garden Beds

Houseplants

Lawns

Best Times to Apply

New bed setup: before planting
Top-ups: early spring, mid-season, after harvest

New Bed / Soil Build

Clear weeds and loosen the top 10–15 cm of soil.
Spread vermicompost 2–5 cm across the bed (5–10 L per m²).
Mix into the top 10 cm, or leave on the surface and mulch over it.
Water lightly to settle.

At Planting

Dig the planting hole.
Add 1–2 handfuls (small plant) or 2–3 handfuls (large plant).
Mix with surrounding soil (don’t place roots in a pure layer).
Plant, firm, and water.

Direct Sowing

Open your seed furrow.
Dust a thin line of vermicompost along the row.
Cover with soil and sow as normal.

Mid-Season Top-Up

Pull back mulch.
Apply 0.5–1 cm around plants (or 1–2 handfuls per plant).
Water in, then replace mulch.

Avoid: piling vermicompost against stems.

Best method: mix-in when repotting

Blend vermicompost into your potting mix at 10–20% of total volume
(about 1 part vermicompost to 4–9 parts potting mix).
Repot as usual and water lightly.

Quick method: top-dress existing plants

Loosen the top 1–2 cm of soil (optional: remove the top layer first).
Add vermicompost:
- 10–12 cm pot: 1–2 tablespoons
- 15–18 cm pot: 2–4 tablespoons
- 20–25 cm pot: ¼–½ cup
Lightly mix into the top layer.
Water normally.

Feeding schedule

Spring/Summer: every 4–6 weeks
Autumn/Winter: every 8–10 weeks (or pause if growth slows)

Tip: you may need slightly less watering after applying.

Best times to apply

Spring: during active growth
Autumn: best for density and root strength

Simple lawn feed (surface application)

Mow short and rake out heavy thatch if needed.
Spread a thin dusting across the lawn: 1–3 kg per 10 m²
(you should still see grass through it).
Water in thoroughly.

Best results: apply after aeration

Aerate the lawn (fork holes or core aeration).
Brush vermicompost into the holes.
Add a thin overall layer (2–5 mm).
Water well.

Patch repair (bare spots)

Loosen soil in the patch.
Mix vermicompost into the top few cm (20–30% of loosened soil volume).
Seed, lightly cover, keep consistently moist until established.

Avoid: thick layers that can smother grass.

Do It Easier With Our Worm Farm Starter Kit!

Start A Worm Farm

Step 1: Choose your Bin

Big, opaque, and lidded is best.

Step 2: Airflow

Drill air holes around the upper side and lid, and drain holes in the base.

Put the bin on a tray to catch liquid.

Step 3: Make Bedding

Shred cardboard/paper.

Dampen it, and half fill the bin.

Mix in some soil or compost.

Step 4: Add Worms

Tip in the worms.

Leave lid off for 10 minutes.

Close the lid.

Step 5: First Feed

Make a hole in one corner.

Add a small handful of scraps.

Cover over again.

Step 6: Feed Correctly

Feed little and often.

Only add when most of the last feed is gone.

Always bury food and rotate locations.

Step 7: Foods to Avoid

Meat, Fish, Dairy
Oily foods
Citrus, onion, garlic
Spicy/salty foods
Pet Waste

Step 8: Upkeep

Keep well-shaded and cool.

Bedding should be moist.

Step 9: Harvest

Stop feeding for 1-2 weeks
Worms migrate to food side
Scoop out compost
Return worms to bin