FAQ in Depth
About Us
We are third-generation farmers with deep roots in sustainable agriculture.
Our family immigrated from Taiwan in the 1980s and began growing Asian vegetables in Southern California. Over time, we discovered the incredible power of earthworms to restore soil health naturally. Having lost two family members that ran the vegetable farm to cancer, we have a strong core value that growing organic, nutrient dense produce is chemical free, is of the utmost importance for the future of the planet.
In 2002, Steve Lee established our family-run earthworm farm in Thermal, California, near sunny Palm Springs. Today, VermisTerra products are trusted by:
- Wineries & vineyards
- Zoos & specialty wildlife projects
- Greenhouses & nurseries
- Fruit and vegetable farms in U.S., Taiwan
- Home gardeners across the U.S.
Our mission:
To support farmers, gardeners, and land stewards by working with nature to build thriving, living soil — naturally and sustainably. At VermisTerra, we specialize in crafting environmentally friendly, top-notch organic soil amendments. Our approach promotes a chemical-free, sustainable method to growing.
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1. General Information
Q: What makes VermisTerra products different from other fertilizers or soil amendments?
A: VermisTerra products are alive with beneficial biology, made from premium earthworm castings and fermented organic matter.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, which can burn plants or disrupt soil life, VermisTerra works with nature to create balanced, living soil that nourishes plants from the roots up. We dedicate extra time to cure, ferment, and carefully source the best materials, resulting in high-value plant food and soil enhancers that not only revitalize soil health but also enhance plant resilience.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our farm is in Thermal, Southern California, near the Salton Sea.
Q: What type of earthworms do you raise?
A: We raise red wiggler worms, known for their ability to efficiently compost organic matter and produce rich, nutrient-packed castings.
Q: Do you sell live earthworms?
A: Not at this time. We focus on producing high-quality castings and fermented worm tea.
Q: What do you feed your worms?
A: A diverse diet of green, plant-based materials such as grass clippings, tree trimmings, and organic matter. This source has lower exposure to chemical sprays than fruits and vegetables. We do not feed our worms manure.
Q: Are your worms treated well?
A: Yes — they’re out VIP team-mates. We provide a clean, natural environment where they can thrive while producing premium castings.
Q: Do you give farm tours?
A: As of now, we do not offer regular tours to the public.
2. Safety & Sustainability
Q: Are VermisTerra products safe for pets, kids, and pollinators?
A: Absolutely! Our products are natural and non-toxic, building up nature’s own defenses.
They’re safe to use around children, pets, and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Our products are certified organic and free of chemicals.
Q: How does VermisTerra help the planet?
A: By building healthy soil, VermisTerra products:
- Capture carbon and reduce greenhouse gases
- Retain water and improve drought resilience
- Reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
- Protect waterways and encourage biodiversity
Q: Is VermisTerra Tea the same as worm tea. worm bin “juice” or leachate?
A: No. VermisTerra Tea is a fermented, filtered, and lab-tested living solution — not raw runoff.
Leachate and rinsed castings (vermiwash) can contain harmful pathogens and unprocessed waste, while VermisTerra Earthworm CastingTea is safe, stable, and pathogen-free. It has all the benefits of compost tea plus organic acids and enzymes that can buffer soil pH, enhance root and soil function, release salinity in the soil, unlock nutrients in your soil piggy bank, and protect from pathogens thru competitive inhibition.
3. Product Guide
Earthworm Castings
- Standard Castings – Slightly coarse; perfect for gardens, trees, raised beds, and farms.
- Premium Castings – Finer and sifted; ideal for seed starting, houseplants, and greenhouses.
- Vitality (Ultra-Fine Castings) – Extremely fine and concentrated; great for rapid growth, transplant recovery, and stressed plants.
VermisTerra Tea
Think of our Tea as tonic or kombucha that protects and conditions your soil — a living, balanced brew full of beneficial microbes and organic acids.
- Shelf-stable for 2-3 years (unopened)
- Easy to dilute and apply
- Lab-tested to ensure safety
Not all Teas are equal— Why VermisTerra’s unique:
| Worm Bin Leachate , Vermiwash (Runoff) | Compost Tea (DIY) | VermisTerra Tea | |
| Safety | May contain harmful pathogens | Depends on brewing process, errors can favor pathogens | Pathogen-free & lab-tested |
| Shelf Life | Hours – Days, Spoils quickly | 24–48 hours | 2-3 years, stable thanks to fermentation |
| Ease of Use | Uncontrolled, variable, can burn plants | Must brew fresh | Ready to use |
| Consistency | Low | Medium-Low (DIY variability) | High (standardized process). Reliablye, repeatable results without brewing |
| Nutrient Levels | Variable nutrients leached from decomposing material | Depends on each batch | Concentrated organic acids (humic/fulvic), enzymes and plant growth compounds. Nutrients are predigested for fast plant uptake. |
| Plant impact | Mild tonic; inconsistent | Can improve vigor/soil life when brewed correctly | Fast root response, better resilience, steady soil conditioning |
Vitality vs. VermisTerra Tea – What’s the Difference?
- Vitality: Fast-acting plant booster — like a shot of espresso for your plants.
Use for transplants, stressed plants, or quick results. - VermisTerra Tea: Steady, long-term soil conditioner for ongoing care and protection.
Many growers use both: Tea for regular maintenance, Vitality for extra support.
Charwise Wood Vinegar
Charwise is a natural liquid created during charcoal production.
It’s full of organic acids that:
- Boost soil health and root growth
- Naturally repel pests and suppress some fungal diseases
- Support beneficial microbes
- Safe for organic gardening and farming
Dilution Guidelines:
| Use | Dilution Ratio |
| Trees, Vines, Citrus | 1 tsp per quart (1:200) |
| Vegetables & Berries | 1 Tbsp per gallon (1:100) |
| Compost Activator | 1–2 Tbsp per gallon |
| Seed Germination | ½ Tbsp per gallon (1:500) |
| Odor Control/Animal Pens | 5 Tbsp per gallon (1:50) |
Tip: Start weak and increase gradually. Always dilute before use.
4. Crops That Thrive
VermisTerra products are versatile and beneficial for all plant types, including:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, garlic, onions, Asian greens (bok choy, Napa cabbage, bitter melon)
- Fruits: Citrus, apples, dates, grapes, berries, melons, dragonfruit, papaya, peaches, avocados, olives
- Herbs & Medicinals: Basil, cannabis, cilantro, parsley, mint
- Field Crops: Alfalfa, wheat, soy, cotton
- Nuts: walnuts, almonds
- Nursery Plants: Succulents, ornamentals, landscaping stock, rooting cuttings
From backyard gardens to commercial farms, VermisTerra helps increase yields, improve plant resilience, and build living soil naturally.
5. Usage & Application
Tea Dilution:
- Standard: 3 oz per gallon of water
- Seedlings/Delicate Plants: 1–2 oz per gallon
- Use within 24 hours of mixing.
Frequency:
- Vitality: Weekly for stressed plants; 1-2x per month for maintenance
- Tea: Every 2–4 weeks for soil health
Best time to apply:
Early morning or late afternoon.
Can I over-apply?
No — products are gentle and safe. The key is consistency, liking eating healthy.
6. Soil & Plant Health
Q: What is “living soil,” and why is it important?
A: Living soil is full of microbes and fungi that naturally recycle nutrients, protect plants, and keep ecosystems healthy.
Q: How does VermisTerra help with pests and disease?
A: Beneficial microbes make it harder for harmful pests and pathogens to thrive, reducing the need for pesticides.
Q: Can VermisTerra revive struggling plants?
A: Yes! Vitality is especially effective for plants recovering from transplant shock, drought, or poor soil.
Q: Does it help with drought resilience?
A: Absolutely. Improved soil structure holds water longer, keeping plants healthy during dry spells.
7. Storage & Shelf Life
- Castings: Never expire. If dry, mist lightly with water.
- Tea:
- Shelf life: 1–2 years unopened
- Store between 40–90°F
- Do not freeze
- Once diluted, use within 24 hours
Normal: Earthy, slightly fermented smell
Not normal: Black, foul odor — still safe, but less effective.
8. Indoor Plant Care
- Castings: Add directly to pots; no odor.
- Tea: Dilute 1–2 oz per gallon for watering.
- Vitality: Dilute before watering. Safe indoors.
9. Results & Expectations
- Vitality: Noticeable improvements in 1–3 weeks.
- Tea: Immediate perk-up in some plants, deeper changes over 6–12 months.
Expect to see:
- Stronger roots
- Deep green leaves
- More flowers and fruits
- Reduced pests and disease
- Long-term soil fertility
10. Commercial Farms & Bulk Use
VermisTerra is trusted by top vineyards, nurseries, and large-scale farms.
Application Rates:
- 30–60 gallons per acre per year
- Apply at planting and during active growth
- Works with drip irrigation or overhead sprinklers
Why commercial growers choose us:
- Reduce chemical inputs by 50–70%
- Improve crop quality and yields naturally
- Strengthen roots and build soil structure
- Meet organic and sustainability standards
- Reliable bulk delivery — totes, truckloads, or super sacks
11. Shipping & Where to Buy
Available:
- Website: Direct orders and subscriptions
- Online: Amazon, Etsy, Walmart
- Southern California Retailers:
- Cactus Mart – Morongo Valley
- San Gabriel Nursery – San Gabriel
- Madison Gardens – Indio
- CV Plumeria Society – Cathedral City
- Desert Straw House – Sky Valley
Shipping Notes:
- Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico: Email for custom quotes
- Coco coir products cannot be shipped out of the contiguous USA, but castings and tea are available.
12. Education & Research
VermisTerra supports:
- STEM and school projects
- Soil conservation and restoration
- Research trials and environmental studies
We provide lab reports and product specifications upon request.
12. How Does VermisTerra’s Method compare to JADAM, Biodynamic, No Till, and Bokashi?
13. How VermisTerra Compares to JADAM, Bokashi, and Regenerative Methods
Today, there are many popular natural and regenerative growing practices, such as JADAM, Bokashi composting, no-till gardening, regenerative agriculture, and biodynamic farming. Each of these methods helps restore soil health and reduce chemical inputs — but they often take years to show full results, require specialized knowledge, or can be labor-intensive.
VermisTerra works hand-in-hand with these approaches, offering a faster, more efficient way to bring tired soil back to life. Our living worm products introduce beneficial microbes and organic acids directly into the soil, jumpstarting the same natural cycles these systems depend on.
The result? You can achieve the benefits of regenerative farming in a single season, instead of waiting five to ten years for nature to rebuild on its own — all while supporting a sustainable, closed-loop system for the future.