How to Age Vermicompost
- 1). Let the compost sit. This may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. If you have a bin with adequate drainage then you can simply leave the compost sitting for a few days until the moisture has dissipated and you are ready to harvest. Leave the fresh compost sitting for 10 to 15 days before harvesting.
- 2). Lay out newspaper in a well-lit area. Spread out the newspaper over a large surface area; this is where you will pour your compost.
- 3). Dump compost onto the newspaper. Let the compost sit for about 30 minutes. The worms inside will crawl toward the bottom of the pile to escape the light.
- 4). Punch holes in the bottom of the plastic bin and line it with strips of newspaper. Load the compost into the bin; do not cover it with a lid. Begin loading the compost from the top down. You may have to navigate your way around some stray worms.
- 5). Store the compost in a dry area with indirect light. This will allow the compost to dry. Let the compost sit for 15 to 20 days. The compost may sit up to 60 days. As the compost ages, the carbon naturally occurring in the soil dissipates and the nutrient levels increase.
- 6). Harvest compost and feed your plants. Your new soil should contain high levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.