Vermiculture in the Caribbean: A Simple, Regenerative living Guide.

Worms are tiny partners that turn everyday scraps into nutrient-rich soil. In a city—on a balcony, under a sink, or beside a back door—vermiculture quietly reduces waste, builds soil life, and can even create a small income stream. Using permaculture principles and natural building techniques, you can practice regenerative agriculture even in urban Caribbean settings like Jamaica.

What Vermiculture Is and how to implement them in a natural building project in the Caribbean.

Vermiculture is composting with specialized worms, most commonly red wigglers (Eisenia fetida). Worms and microbes transform fruit/veg scraps and paper into vermicompost  (castings) A powerful, natural fertilizer that improves soil structure, water retention, and plant vigor.

Urban benefits

• Low-odor, low-space, low-cost

• Keeps food waste out of landfill

• Creates a steady supply of plant food for pots and gardens

• Scales into a micro-business (worms, castings, starter kits)

• Fits perfectly into permaculture systems and natural building projects in Jamaica and the Caribbean

  
  

Quick Start: Step-by-Step for Small Spaces

1) Choose Your Bin

• Size: ~30–60 for a smaller space; stackable trays are recommended for scalability

• Material: Plastic tote with lid or repurposed container

• Air & Drainage: Drill 3–5 mm air holes; optional base drainage over a tray

2) Make the Bedding

• Shredded cardboard/newspaper and a handful of soil or finished compost

• Ideal moisture: sponge-damp

3) Add the Worms

• Start with ~500–1,000 red wigglers

• Scatter them on top; they burrow away from light quickly

4) Feed Lightly at First

• Chop scraps finely: fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds

• Bury under bedding to deter flies

5) Find the Sweet Spot

• Moisture: Sponge-damp, not soggy

• Temperature: 15–27 °C (60–80 °F)

• Light: Keep covered

6) Establish a Rhythm

• Feed once or twice a week, only after last feeding is mostly gone

• Sprinkle crushed eggshells weekly for grit and calcium

7) Scale Up

• As population grows, increase feed gradually

• Consider stacking trays for space-efficient urban setups

8) Harvest Castings (8–12 Weeks)

• Side migration method: Feed on one side, harvest the other

• Top-off method: Add fresh bedding; scoop castings from bottom

• Light separation: Spread contents under light; worms dive, castings stay

9) Use It

• Top-dress or mix into potting soil for herbs, houseplants, and balcony veggies

• Brew worm “tea” for liquid fertilizer

10) Keep It Clean & Neighbor-Friendly

• Always bury food under bedding

• Wipe rims/lids; use dry paper to absorb moisture

• Barriers for ants (water moat, petroleum jelly on legs)

  
  

What to Feed (and What to Skip)

YES:

• Fruit & veg scraps, coffee/tea, crushed eggshells, cardboard/paper

NO / Go Easy:

• Meat, dairy, oils, spicy foods, citrus (too much), bones, plastics

  
  

Weekly Care Checklist (Apartment Edition)

• Check moisture & smell

• Feed small amounts, cover with bedding

• Fluff corners for airflow

• Wipe edges, secure lid or mesh

  
  

Troubleshooting (Fast Fixes)

Symptom	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Vinegar smell	Too wet / overfeeding	Mix in dry bedding, pause feeding 3–5 days
Fruit flies	Food exposed	Bury food deeper; add bedding on top
Ants	Dry bin / sweet food	Moisten bedding; water
Worms climbing walls	Low oxygen / acidic	Fluff bedding; add eggshells; reduce citrus
Soggy sludge	No structure	Add shredded cardboard; pause feeding
Slow processing	Cold / low population	Warm location; more worms; smaller food pieces

Using Your Vermicompost in regenerative living

• Houseplants & herbs: Top-dress every 4–6 weeks

• Seed starting: Mix 10–15% castings in soil

• Balcony veggies: Add a handful per transplant hole

• Planters/lawn patches: Scratch in thin layer and water

  
  

Micro-Business Ideas

After you have mastered to take care of your worms, you can expand and start to sell your production of worms. They will keep reproducing as long as yoiu have good condoitions for them and a continious food supply. What you can sell:

• Starter kits: Bin + 250–500 worms + guide

• Castings by the bag: Sifted, dried, labeled

• Worm tea: The concentrated worm tea you can collect in the bottom of the bins.

• Workshops/tours: Schools, community groups

• Scrap pickup service: Trade scraps for castings

  
  

Urban Vermiculture in Jamaica & the Caribbean. Regenerative living i the city.

Using vermiculture in tighter city spaces, backyards, or natural building projects fits perfectly with regenerative living in the Caribbean. By connecting permaculture, urban agriculture, and sustainable waste management, you can transform food scraps into soil gold and create healthy, abundant green spaces in the city. Regenerative living at its finest.

In this youtube video you will get an introduction to Vermiculture from Lis, from Durgas Den in St. Ann, Jamaica.

Some good advice and lots of knowledge: