By the end of this lesson: you will decide whether material is ready to harvest.

Finished vermicompost is dark, crumbly and earthy-smelling, with little recognisable bedding or food. It should not be a wet black paste or a tray full of half-eaten cardboard.

Readiness varies by system and season. Do not harvest because a calendar promised eight weeks. Harvest when the material has matured and another active zone can support the worms.

Take samples from several places. The top may contain fresh food while the lower tray is ready. In a single bin, one side may be mature and the feeding side active.