Composting sage scraps with worms
Sage, with its characteristic earthy smell and firm leaves, can be added to your Bonter worm bin. The soft parts digest reasonably well, but the somewhat woody stems require more time. Add this aromatic herb in moderation for a balanced and healthy worm bin.
Can sage go in your worm bin?
Yes, sage scraps, such as leaves and thin stems, can in principle go in your Bonter worm bin. The leaves are soft enough to be processed. However, sage is quite aromatic and the stems can be somewhat woody. This means it breaks down slower than soft herbs and in large quantities can potentially affect the smell or environment in the bin. So, add it in moderation.
How much sage can you add?
Add sage scraps very sparingly to your Bonter. Limit yourself to small quantities of leaves and thin stems at a time, and not with every feeding. Avoid thick, woody stems altogether. Mix sage thoroughly with plenty of other, more easily digestible waste and a generous amount of dry bedding material (cardboard, paper). 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 sage can go in the worm bin with great caution, alternatives for scraps are a good idea. Sage leaves and stems can be dried for later use in dishes, oils, or butter. They give off a delicious aroma. Thicker, woody stems are better suited for an outdoor compost heap, if available. Try to minimize waste by using sage as much as possible.
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Tips for safe sage composting
Cut sage stems as small as possible, especially the somewhat stiffer parts. You can also make the leaves a bit smaller. Mix the sage 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 sage scent can remain locally in the bin.
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Frequently asked questions about composting sage
Can the woody stems of sage go in the worm bin?
Woody or thick stems of sage digest very slowly. It is better to avoid them or only add very thin stems, very finely chopped, in moderation.
Does sage cause odors in the worm bin?
Does sage attract pests in the worm bin?
How quickly does sage decompose in a worm bin?
Can all types of sage go in the worm bin?
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