Composting rosemary scraps with worms
Twigs and leaves of rosemary can be added to your Bonter worm bin, but they require some patience and attention. Due to their woody structure and strong aroma, it is important to process them in moderation and in the right way, so that your worms and your bin remain healthy.
Can rosemary go in your worm bin?
Yes, rosemary scraps, particularly the needle-like leaves and thin twigs, can in principle go in your Bonter worm bin. However, rosemary is quite woody, especially the thicker stems, and contains strong aromatic oils. This causes it to break down slowly and potentially repel worms in large quantities. So, add it in moderation.
How much rosemary can you add?
Add rosemary scraps very sparingly to your Bonter. Limit yourself to small quantities of thin twigs and leaves at a time, and not with every feeding. Avoid thick, woody branches altogether. Mix rosemary thoroughly with plenty of other, more easily digestible waste and a generous amount of dry bedding material. This helps spread the oils and promote breakdown. Be patient, as it can take a long time before it is fully broken down.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Because rosemary can go in the worm bin with great caution, alternatives for scraps are a good idea. Rosemary twigs can be dried for later use in dishes, oils, or to give your home a pleasant scent. Thicker, woody stems are better suited for an outdoor compost heap, if available, as they break down more easily there in a larger volume. Try to minimize waste by using rosemary as much as possible.
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Tips for safe rosemary composting
Cut rosemary twigs as small as possible, especially the somewhat stiffer parts. Chop the needles and thin stems finely. Mix the rosemary snippets with a large amount of other waste and plenty of dry bedding material. Bury the mix deep under the top layer. This helps control the strong aroma, discourage fruit flies, and ensures that the worms have less direct contact with the oils. The woody particles will digest very slowly. Your Bonter’s filter keeps odors contained, but the strong rosemary scent can remain locally in the bin.
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Frequently asked questions about composting rosemary
Can the woody branches of rosemary go in the worm bin?
Woody branches of rosemary digest very slowly and are better avoided. Very thin twigs, finely chopped, can be added in moderation.
Does rosemary cause odors in the worm bin?
Does rosemary attract pests in the worm bin?
How quickly does rosemary decompose in a worm bin?
Can I add dried rosemary to my worm bin?
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