Vermicast

Vermicast, commonly known as worm castings or worm compost, is the nutrient-rich organic matter produced when earthworms digest and excrete decomposed organic materials. It's essentially worm manure that has been processed through the earthworm's digestive system.

Worm castings are created through vermicomposting, where specific species of worms (typically red wigglers or European nightcrawlers) consume organic waste like kitchen scraps, paper, and other biodegradable materials. As this matter passes through the worm's digestive tract, it gets broken down and enriched with beneficial microorganisms, enzymes, and nutrients.

The resulting castings are dark, crumbly, and have an earthy smell similar to rich soil. They're considered one of the finest natural fertilisers available because they contain high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential plant nutrients in forms that are readily available to plants. The castings also improve soil structure by enhancing water retention and aeration.

What makes vermicast particularly valuable is its slow-release properties - nutrients are released gradually as plants need them, reducing the risk of burning plants that can occur with synthetic fertilisers. The castings also contain beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that promote healthy soil ecosystems and can help suppress plant diseases.

Gardeners and farmers prize worm castings for both indoor and outdoor growing, as they can be used as a soil amendment, potting mix ingredient, or liquid fertiliser when steeped in water to create "worm tea" (check out a brilliant guide on how to make "worm tea" here). The material is completely organic, odourless when properly processed, and safe to handle without gloves.