Worm compost. Natural power for your trees.

Worm compost, also known as worm humus or vermicompost, is created by the digestion of organic waste by composting worms. The worms process kitchen scraps, leaves, cardboard, and other organic matter into a fine, crumbly, dark, earthy material. This soil provides valuable nutrients, is full of microorganisms, and improves soil structure. Worm compost provides valuable support, especially for trees growing in nutrient-poor or compacted soils. 
In contrast to traditional compost, worm compost is more biologically active, pH-neutral to slightly alkaline and odorless.

Industrially, worm compost is produced in special worm farms. However, you can also make small amounts of it yourself in your garden or on your balcony using a worm bin or worm composter. Kitchen waste is regularly added and supplemented with structural material such as cardboard. 

Vermicompost consists of a solid and a liquid component. Let's take a closer look at these components.

The different forms of worm compost.

Fixed share:

The solid part is created by the digestion of organic waste by compost worms. It is crumbly, dark, and smells of forest soil. It is usually removed from the bottom level of the worm composter after a few months.

Worm tea (leachate): 

The liquid portion, also known as worm tea, is created by the water seeping through the compost, absorbing nutrients and microorganisms. This liquid fertilizer is collected in the collection container (usually the lowest level of the worm composter with a drain tap) and must be diluted (1:10 to 1:20 with water) before use. If you keep your own worms, this worm tea should be removed regularly, otherwise it can rot.
This liquid is produced without any specific control, can have an unpleasant odor, and can contain undesirable substances such as putrefactive bacteria, alcohols, or acids from fermentation processes. It should be diluted before use (at least 1:10, preferably 1:20).

Compost tea (specifically prepared)

This liquid is also known as compost tea or compost extract. It's a specially prepared liquid fertilizer made by soaking mature worm compost in water. If you want to make this yourself, you can proceed as follows:

• Take about a handful of worm compost to 5–10 liters of water
• Optional: Add a sugar source (e.g., molasses). This helps the microbes multiply.
• Let the mixture steep for 24–48 hours, preferably with aeration (aquarium pump)
• You can then sieve them and use them directly

This compost tea has the following properties:

• Microbially active and rich in beneficial soil bacteria
• Very gentle, effective foliar or soil fertilizer
• If it is produced specifically, quality is easier to control
• Smells pleasantly earthy like forest floor

Fertilize trees with worm compost

Trees benefit from the use of worm compost in several ways. First, it provides readily available nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and trace elements. These nutrients support the healthy growth of roots, leaves, and fruits.

Worm compost also improves soil structure. It increases crumb stability, promotes aeration, and increases water retention. The microorganisms it contains also stimulate natural soil biology and strengthen plants' defenses against pests and diseases.

Worm compost does not work suddenly like chemical fertilizers, but releases its nutrients slowly and continuously. For trees, it is usually sufficient to fertilize with worm compost once or twice a year. fertilize, best in spring to promote growth and in late summer for regeneration.

Using worm compost correctly 

You can mix the liquid worm compost tea with water and apply it to the tree's root area. If you purchased worm compost tea, fertilize according to the product's instructions. If you made it yourself, you can use the following ratio: at least 1:10, preferably 1:20.
If you Tree watering bags You can also use this. It's important that the liquid fertilizer doesn't contain any solid particles, as otherwise the bag will clog. 

You can use the solid worm compost as follows:

• Prepare the soil: Carefully loosen the top layer of soil around the tree.
• Spread compost: Spread approximately 1 to 3 liters of worm compost per square meter evenly around the tree ring.
• Work in lightly: Work the compost in superficially, no deeper than 5 cm, to protect the soil life.
• Find here an mulch layer made of leaves, bark or straw protects against drying out.
• Watering: Water the area well so that microorganisms and nutrients are evenly distributed.

To make the worm compost even more effective, it can be mixed with biochar. We have a own blog article written. 

Can you make your own worm compost?

Yes, with a worm bin or a composter for your balcony, you can turn your kitchen scraps into high-quality humus. You'll need:

• A ventilated box or a special composter
• Compost worms (e.g. Eisenia fetida)
• Moist bedding made of cardboard, leaves or coconut fiber
•  Organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds or eggshells

The transformation begins after just a few weeks, and after two to three months, you can harvest the finished worm compost – dark, crumbly, odorless, and full of nutrients. It's important that the worms aren't exposed to excessive heat. High temperatures cause the worms to flee.

Try now!

Baumbad will soon be offering high-quality biochar and worm compost specifically for the needs of urban and garden trees. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when it goes on sale!