Worm farms

What is worm farming?

Worm farming uses the same principles as composting, but it does not generate heat, making it cold composting. Value is added to the materials when they are eaten and excreted by the worms. This produces what is called vermicast, or casts, and worm tea which have high levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) compared to ordinary soil. Casts are valuable for leaf growth, root and stem strength and flower and fruit set.

Additional benefits of worm farms

• Casts and worm-tea are fantastic for plants (always dilute the worm-tea to the colour of weak tea – usually about 1:10).
• Kids enjoy them.
• If you have mostly kitchen waste and live in a home with little or no outdoor space, a worm farm is a good option.

Stockists

For worm farm stockists, refer to the Council's subsidy coupon. Download the composting subsidy voucher or call the Council on +64 3 546 0200.

Check out our handy guide  (2.3MB PDF)for how to set up and use a worm farm.