In a commercial wormery in West Yorkshire, Wormganix manufactures 100% organically certified fertiliser using a unique bio-conservation method. The wormery is not only peat-free, but the worms themselves are kept as mini living processing plants turning waste streams into high quality compost. Unlike similar setups that either sell the worms to the fishing industry, or wormeries that use peat, Wormganix focuses on casting quality. Remarkably, these castings are a ‘living’ product, teeming with beneficial microbes, fungi, and bacteria that are all essential for a healthy soil ecosystem. 

High-quality composted forestry bark and recycled paper pulp is fed to worms who then transform this matter into rich, earthy vermicompost. The resulting product then undergoes a meticulous double-sieving process. It acts as a soil conditioner, designed to invigorate existing compost and create ‘living soil,’ rich in trace elements. Initial studies showed an increase in plant growth, improved soil aeration, enhanced moisture retention, natural pest resistance and disease protection. 

Inside one of Stockbridge Technology Centre’s (STC) glasshouses in Selby, performance trials are being conducted comparing the growth of basil from seed and tomato from transplants in different growing media- peat-based compost, peat-free compost and Wormganix fertiliser. Plants will be assessed for ten different parameters including size, colour, vigour and weight. 

Looking forward, Wormganix are exploring innovative ways to incorporate recycled materials, such as paper pulp from Veolia (UK) Ltd and coffee grounds from Starbucks, into the wormery, enhancing the sustainability of the vermicomposting process. These efforts are part of larger trials with the UK’s largest compost manufacturers and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) on their peat-free transition project, showcasing the company’s role in shaping the future of eco-conscious agriculture.  

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Please note, the opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of CHAP.