Composting weeds with worms
Weeds, provided they do not contain seed heads or persistent rhizomes, are suitable for your Bonter vermicomposter. They are valuable organic material that, after proper preparation, decomposes well and contributes to your compost. Learn how to safely and effectively compost weeds from your garden.
Can weeds go in your worm bin?
Yes, weeds can go in the worm bin, provided you adhere to two important conditions: they must not contain seed heads (to prevent your compost from being full of weed seeds) and they must not have rhizomes from persistent species like ground elder or couch grass (to prevent these from surviving and growing in your bin or compost). Soft, leafy weeds without seeds are good ‘green’ material that breaks down quickly and provides nutrients. Thick stems or roots are more fibrous and break down more slowly. Avoid weeds that have been sprayed with chemicals.
How many weeds can you add?
Add suitable weeds (without seeds/persistent roots and unsprayed) regularly to your Bonter, in reasonable quantities. As ‘green’ material, it is important to keep them balanced with sufficient ‘brown’ material (cardboard, paper, dried leaves, straw). Do not add large, dense quantities of weeds all at once, as this can mat and become anaerobic. Mix it well with other waste and bedding in the bin. Thick stems or roots (even if they are not persistent) break down more slowly, so limit the amount of these and cut them small.
What to do instead? Alternatives & waste management
Suitable weeds are perfectly fine for the Bonter if properly prepared. However, weeds with seed heads or persistent rhizomes are not suitable for the worm bin, nor for a normal compost heap (unless it gets hot enough to kill seeds/roots, which is rarely the case in a home composting system). This type of weed must be thrown away with residual waste to prevent spread. Weeds that have been sprayed should also not be composted.
A
B
C
A
B
C
A
B
C
Tips for composting weeds
Absolutely ensure that the weeds you add do not have seed heads. Also remove all roots, especially from persistent species with rhizomes. Cut or tear the remaining weeds (leaves, soft stems) into smaller pieces (about 5-10 cm) to speed up decomposition. Mix the weeds well with the waste and existing bedding in your Bonter. Bury it under a layer of bedding. Add weeds as ‘green’ material and balance them with sufficient ‘brown’. Check that the weeds have not been sprayed with chemicals; if in doubt, throw them away with residual waste. The Bonter’s air filter helps with odours, but a good mix of brown and green, and sufficient aeration (which weeds can help with), prevents problems.
I’m Mats, founder of Bonter, and I’m on a mission to make indoor composting effortless, ensuring sustainability becomes second nature in your home.
Join 340+ early adopters
Frequently asked questions about composting weeds
Can I put weeds with seed heads in the worm bin?
No, weeds with seed heads are unsuitable. The seeds can pass through the worm bin and later germinate in your compost or garden.
Can the roots of weeds go in the worm bin?
Do weeds break down quickly?
Should I make weeds smaller?
Can sprayed weeds go in the bin?
Discover more
easy wins for your bin
See how effortlessly your vermicomposter handles common kitchen scraps. These items are favorites of your composting crew and simply transform waste into a valuable resource.