This poster provides basic, step-by-step instructions for how to raise earthworms in raised beds to produce compost. The poster was created in 2018 by Chhe Chinda, with co-authors Karen LeGrand, Cary Trexler, Borarin Buntong, Kong Thong, Socheath Tong, G.David Miller, Jim Hill, and Glenn Young as part of the Horticulture Innovation Lab project focused on building safe vegetable value chains in Cambodia.

The benefits of earthworm compost include that the compost dissolves plant and animal waste, aerates soil to let water, air and roots in and produces bacteria and protein that promote plant growth.

How to produce compost with earthworms from raised beds

Raw materials for raising earthworms:

1. Soil and 2-week-old cow dung
2. Vegetable waste or dried leaves
3. Coconut fibers
4. Water

Raise earthworms in garden beds:

1. Soil, cow dung, vegetable waste are mixed together thoroughly. Water is added until moisture is around 70-80 percent.
2. Add 3 percent earthworms to raised bed containers, with 97 percent earthworm food 
3. Water every day to maintain moisture and temperature.
4. Wait at least 3 weeks to begin harvesting compost.

How to use compost

• Use directly: Mix 0.1 kg of earthworm compost thoroughly with 5 kg of soil. Apply to field 2-3 times per month.
• Use on farms: Mix 30 percent of earthworm compost thoroughly with 70 percent surface soil collected from farm. Another option is to replace 30 percent of farm soil with rice husk.