Vermicompost

Citizen garden

Introduction

The vermicomposting activity consists of transforming organic waste into a high-quality natural fertiliser through the use of earthworms. This technique improves soil fertility, reduces waste and promotes environmental sustainability. The project involves the local community and is part of a circular economy model applicable in different urban contexts, including community gardens and schools.

Activity Topic

Sustainable management of organic waste, composting and natural fertilisation

Organisation

Miraflores Garden

Legal Status

Associacion de Hortelanos « Las moreras »

Year of Establishment

In the 1980s

Location

Avenue las Asociaciones de Vecinos, 21, Norte, 41008 Seville

The Huerta Las Moreras community garden, located in Miraflores, is an urban agriculture project that promotes environmental sustainability and social cohesion. It is a shared space where participants cultivate local plants, recover agricultural traditions and promote environmental education. The initiative encourages community collaboration, food self-sufficiency and the responsible use of natural resources.

Activity Description

Aims and Outcomes

Vermicomposting is an environmentally friendly method that utilizes earthworms to break down organic waste, producing a nutrient-rich compost known as vermicompost. This process not only reduces waste but also improves soil fertility, making it a valuable practice for sustainable agriculture and home gardening.
Objectives of Vermicomposting
The main goals of vermicomposting are the following:

Reducing Organic Waste – By composting kitchen scraps, paper products, and agricultural residues, vermicomposting helps minimize landfill waste.
Enhancing Soil Health – Vermicompost is packed with essential nutrients and beneficial microbes that improve soil structure and fertility.
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture – As a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, vermicompost reduces pollution and supports eco-friendly farming.

Implementation Steps

Here are the different steps to implement vermicompost in your garden:

Choose a suitable container – Use a bin made of wood or plastic with proper ventilation and drainage to maintain optimal worm conditions.
Select the right worms – Species such as Eisenia fetida (red wigglers) and Eisenia hortensis (European nightcrawlers) are ideal for processing organic material efficiently.
Prepare the bedding – Provide a moist base using shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir. This serves as both habitat and an initial food source for the worms.
Add organic waste – Introduce small amounts of food scraps such as fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid dairy, meat, and oily foods, as they can attract pests and cause unpleasant odors.
Maintain proper conditions – Keep the bin in a shaded area with temperatures between 15–25°C. Ensure the bedding remains damp, similar to a wrung-out sponge, and occasionally aerate the compost.
Monitor and feed regularly – Check the bin weekly, adding new waste in small quantities while ensuring a balanced environment for the worms.
Harvest the vermicompost – After about 2–3 months, when the compost appears dark and crumbly, separate the worms from the finished product using migration techniques or manual sorting.

Vermicomposting is an effective way to recycle organic waste into valuable fertilizer while promoting sustainability. By following these simple steps, individuals and communities can successfully create and use vermicompost for a healthier environment and improved soil quality.

Advantages and Benefits

The use of vermicomposting offers numerous advantages, including reducing organic waste, improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable management of urban green spaces. This system makes it possible to produce natural fertiliser independently, without the use of chemicals, thus improving soil and crop health. Furthermore, the practice fosters environmental awareness and can be easily implemented in school and community gardens.

Required Competences and Skills

For the effective management of the vermicomposter, a basic knowledge of horticultural practices and composting management is necessary. In addition, communication skills are essential to be able to clearly explain the process to community members and potential users. The ability to observe and adapt to environmental conditions is also essential to maintain a proper balance between humidity, temperature and earthworm feeding.

Evaluation

The success of the activity was evaluated on the basis of the effectiveness of the vermicomposter in producing quality compost and its ability to involve the local community. During visits to the gardens, it was observed that spaces equipped with vermicomposting showed higher fertility and better crop development. Furthermore, the interest generated among participants indicates that the technique has great potential for dissemination in other urban contexts.

Conclusions

The vermicomposting activity proved to be an effective, sustainable and easily replicable method for managing organic waste in urban gardens. The project enabled participants to acquire practical skills and to understand the importance of composting in creating fertile and healthy soils. The experience in Seville offered valuable inspiration for the application of this practice in different contexts, including schools and community gardens.

Advice / Recommendation

To successfully replicate the vermicomposting activity, it is important to ensure the right combination of organic materials, moisture and protection from direct sunlight. In addition, it is advisable to use recycled materials for the construction of the facility, thus reducing costs and promoting sustainability. Finally, it is crucial to involve the local community, making them aware of the benefits of composting and the importance of sustainable management of organic waste.

Project Number: 2023-1-FR01-KA220-ADU-000153638

The objective of the Gardeniser Academy project is to support the development of community gardens in Europe by offering online training contents tailored to the needs and expectations of gardeners all over Europe.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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