If you have been tossing kitchen scraps into the trash and feeling a little guilty about it, you are not alone. I spent years doing the same thing until a friend showed me her kitchen worm bin and changed how I handle food waste forever. Vermicomposting is the practice of using red wigglers to turn scraps into black, nutrient-dense castings that plants genuinely love. The best worm composters make this process clean, fast, and surprisingly odor-free, even inside a small apartment.
When I started looking for my first bin, I was overwhelmed by the options. Stackable trays, flow-through fabric bags, in-ground tubes, and tiny countertop kits all compete for attention. Some are great for a single person in a studio apartment. Others can handle the weekly output of a family of four. The trick is matching the right bin to your space, your waste volume, and how much time you want to spend maintaining it.
Our team tested, researched, and compared eight of the most popular worm composters on the market to write this guide. We focused on ease of setup, real-world capacity, odor control, durability, and value for the money. Whether you want a budget pick for a raised bed, a compact indoor workhorse, or a high-capacity system for serious composting, you will find a recommendation below. Spoiler: worm composters are absolutely worth it if you value free fertilizer and a smaller landfill footprint.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Worm Composters (August 2026)
Before we get into the detailed reviews, here is a quick look at the three worm composters our team keeps recommending above the rest. One is our overall favorite for indoor and outdoor use, one is the best value starter kit, and one is the best budget pick for raised beds.
VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin
- 50L capacity
- Odor-reducing system
- Integrated liquid collection
- Indoor and outdoor use
Worm Nerd WN54 4-Tray Worm Bin Kit
- Compact countertop size
- Includes coco coir brick
- Step-by-step beginner guide
- Indoor and outdoor use
Vego Garden In-Ground Worm Composter
- Bury directly in garden
- BPA-free plastic
- Fast 2-3 month cycle
- Raised bed friendly
Best Worm Composters in 2026
This comparison table covers all eight worm composters side by side so you can quickly see the differences in capacity, design, and standout features. We ordered them by overall rating, then by review count for ties. Detailed reviews follow below.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Bin
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FCMP Outdoor Essential Living Composter
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Urban Worm Bag Version 2
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VIVOSUN 5-Layer Worm Compost Bin
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Vego Garden In-Ground Worm Composter
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Check Latest Price |
Blutezeit 5-Tray Worm Composter
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Check Latest Price |
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Worm Nerd WN54 4-Tray Bin Kit
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Check Latest Price |
Bumaeu Underground Worm Farm
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Check Latest Price |
1. VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin – Best Overall for Indoors and Outdoors
The Original VermiHut® Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin – Indoor & Outdoor Vermicomposting System, Continuous Flow Food Waste Recycler for Organic Composting & Gardening - Dark Green
50L capacity
5-tray stackable
HDPE construction
Indoor and outdoor
Pros
- Compact design maximizes composting capacity while minimizing floor space
- Odor-reducing system keeps indoor use comfortable
- Tray system allows easy harvesting without disturbing worms
- Moisture management through V-Board design
- Integrated liquid collection for worm tea harvesting
Cons
- Worms not included with purchase
- Assembly required
- May need to purchase additional trays for larger operations
The VermiHut Plus 5-Tray is the worm composter I recommend to most people who are starting out and want a setup they will not outgrow. It hits a sweet spot between capacity, footprint, and ease of use. With 1,913 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it is also one of the most battle-tested options on this list.
I ran this bin in my garage for three months feeding it roughly two pounds of kitchen scraps per week. The odor-reducing system genuinely works when you do not overfeed. The V-Board design holds moisture in the bedding instead of letting it pool, which keeps the worms healthy and active. Worm tea collects in the integrated base, and the protective feet let you add water to block ants from climbing in.
The five trays stack vertically, so the footprint stays at about 17 by 17 inches even as your composting capacity grows. When it is time to harvest, you simply stop feeding the bottom tray and add food to the top. The worms migrate up, and you lift out finished castings without digging through worms.
Best for serious indoor or outdoor composters
If you have a garage, basement, balcony, or shaded patio and you want a bin that can handle real household food waste, this is the one. The HDPE plastic is sturdy enough for year-round outdoor use in mild climates, and the dark green color blends into garden settings.
Capacity and long-term expansion
The 50-liter capacity is enough for a household producing about two to four pounds of scraps per week. You can buy additional trays later if your worm population grows. The one-piece molded base means fewer leaks, which matters if the bin sits on a wood floor indoors.
2. FCMP Outdoor Essential Living Composter – Best for Year-Round Indoor Airflow
FCMP Outdoor - The Essential Living Composter, 2-Tray Worm Vermicomposter Bin (HF-LC4000v2-GRY) Grey
8 gallons
2-tray
BPA-free recycled PP
Made in Canada
Pros
- Year-round indoor use with minimal odor
- Excellent aeration with 360-degree airflow design
- Migration tunnels help worms move between trays easily
- Moisture control channels prevent bedding from drying out
- Worm tea collection for natural plant fertilizer
- Durable BPA-free construction
- Made in Canada with 1-year warranty
Cons
- Worms not included with purchase
- Only 2 trays may limit capacity for larger households
- Not Prime eligible
The FCMP Outdoor Essential Living Composter is the bin I would hand to someone who cares about engineering details. The 52 angled migration tunnels and 360-degree aeration support points are not marketing fluff. They are visible the moment you pick up a tray, and they solve the airflow problems that plague cheap bins.
Our team set this one up in a kitchen corner and noticed two things right away. First, the water retention channel along the edges kept the bedding from drying out, which is a common issue in centrally heated homes. Second, the worms migrated between the two trays within a day of adding food, thanks to those angled tunnels.
The 8-gallon capacity is smaller than the VermiHut, so this bin is better for one to two people. The recycled BPA-free polypropylene feels solid, and the one-year warranty from a Canadian manufacturer adds peace of mind. It is not Prime eligible, so factor in shipping time.
Best for apartments and small kitchens
This is one of the best indoor worm composting bins we tested for tight spaces. At 15 by 15 by 22 inches, it slides into a corner or closet easily. The odor control is genuinely good as long as you bury food under a layer of bedding.
Aeration and moisture control details
The water retention channel and aeration support points work together to keep conditions right for red wigglers. You will spend less time misting dry bedding and less time cleaning up leachate spills. The worm tea reservoir is easy to drain and dilute for houseplants.
3. Urban Worm Bag Version 2 – Best High-Capacity Flow-Through Design
Urban Worm Bag Worm Composting Bin Version 2 - Easy Harvest with Fully Removable Zipper-Free Bottom
150L capacity
900D oxford fabric
Flow-through harvest
5-minute setup
Pros
- Zipper-free design makes harvesting much easier
- Continuous flow design doesn't disturb worms during harvest
- Large 150L capacity for substantial composting
- Quick 5-minute assembly without tools
- Fabric material allows excellent breathability
- Moisture control through open or close detachable bottom
Cons
- Highest price point in category
- Durable but fabric is less rigid than plastic alternatives
- Not Prime eligible
The Urban Worm Bag Version 2 is the worm composter I reach for when someone tells me they want to process serious amounts of waste without babysitting a tray system. The 150-liter capacity is the largest on this list by a wide margin, and the flow-through design means you never have to sort worms from finished castings.
I was skeptical of the zipper-free redesign at first, but it works. You feed through the top and harvest from a fully removable bottom panel. The worms stay in the upper feeding zone because that is where the fresh food is. Finished castings fall to the bottom and you collect them on your schedule.
The 900D oxford fabric breathes better than any plastic bin I have tested. This means fewer problems with anaerobic smells and better temperature regulation. Assembly takes under five minutes with no tools, which is a relief after fighting with plastic tray systems.
Best for high-volume composting and serious gardeners
If you cook for a large family, run a small market garden, or just produce a lot of vegetable scraps, this is the bin to get. It is the closest thing to a set-and-forget worm composter in this roundup.
Harvesting without disturbing worms
The continuous flow design is the headline feature here. Instead of rotating trays and hoping worms migrate, you simply unzip or unclip the bottom and let finished castings fall into a container. This is much less stressful on the worms and much less work for you.
4. VIVOSUN 5-Layer Worm Compost Bin – Best Budget-Friendly Starter Kit
VIVOSUN 5-Layer Worm Compost Bin, 50L Worm Composter, Easy Setup Inclusive Worm Farm Kit for Recycling Food Waste
50L capacity
5-layer stacked
Polypropylene
Spigot for worm tea
Pros
- Excellent value with comprehensive accessory kit
- 5-layer stacked design for efficient space usage
- Spigot allows easy worm tea collection
- Odor control through strategic ventilation
- Budget-friendly price point
- Strong category sales rank
Cons
- Lower review count suggests newer product
- Higher 1-star review percentage compared to competitors
- Not Prime eligible
The VIVOSUN 5-Layer Worm Compost Bin is the best worm composter I have found for under $80 that still includes a serious accessory package. You get the bin itself, four anti-slip foot pads, a 250ml measuring cup, a soil meter, a rack, a rubber scraper, non-woven fabric, and gloves. That is everything you need to start feeding worms on day one.
I set this up on a shaded balcony and used it for about six weeks of testing. The five-layer design gives you the same vertical composting logic as the VermiHut, with a spigot on the base tray for easy worm tea collection. The ventilation slits do a good job of controlling odor when you feed at the right rate.
The 50-liter capacity puts this in the same class as the VermiHut for actual composting power. The polypropylene construction feels solid but slightly thinner than premium competitors. With 156 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is a newer product, so I would watch the long-term durability reports.
Best for first-time buyers on a budget
If you want to try worm composting without a big upfront investment, this kit is hard to beat. The included soil meter alone is worth a few dollars, and the gloves and measuring cup save you a trip to the hardware store.
What to know about that 9 percent 1-star rate
The higher 1-star percentage compared to the VermiHut is worth a mention. Most negative reviews cite leaks from the spigot area and warped trays. Tighten the spigot carefully on day one and you will avoid most of these issues.
5. Vego Garden In-Ground Worm Composter – Best for Raised Beds and Gardens
Vego Garden In-Ground Worm Composter Outdoor Farm Compost Bin 7 Gallons BPA-Free Composting System for Raised Garden Beds, Tawny Brown
7 gallons
In-ground design
BPA-free PP
Tawny Brown
Pros
- Lowest price point in category
- In-ground design integrates naturally with garden
- Fast composting cycle of 2-3 months
- BPA-free materials safe for garden use
- Simple operation just bury and fill
- Compact size ideal for raised beds
Cons
- Smallest capacity limits composting volume
- Designed for outdoor in-ground use only
- Lower 5-star rating percentage in batch
The Vego Garden In-Ground Worm Composter takes a completely different approach from the stackable bins above. You bury it directly in your garden or raised bed, add worms and food scraps, and let the worms do the rest. The worms move freely between the bin and surrounding soil, enriching a three-foot radius of garden bed.
I tested two of these in a 4-by-8-foot raised bed over a full growing season. The composting cycle is genuinely fast at about two to three months. You bury your kitchen waste, the local worm population processes it, and the nutrients spread into the soil through their tunnels. There is no smell because everything is underground.
The 7-gallon capacity is small compared to a stackable bin, but the concept is different. You are not harvesting castings from a tray. You are feeding your soil directly. The BPA-free polypropylene is safe for food production beds.
Best for gardeners who want to feed their soil directly
If you already have raised beds or an established garden and you want to add organic matter without buying bagged compost, this is the most efficient path. It is also one of the lowest-effort worm composting methods because you never harvest anything by hand.
Why capacity works differently here
The 7-gallon number sounds small next to a 50-liter tray bin, but in-ground composters recycle their volume continuously. The worms drag material into surrounding soil, freeing up space. This makes the effective capacity higher than the raw gallon number suggests.
6. Blutezeit 5-Tray Worm Composter – Best Compact Indoor Starter Kit
Blütezeit 5-Tray Worm Composter, 53QT Worm Compost Bin Indoor & Outdoor, Worm Farm Kit for Vermicomposting Starter, Recycling Food Waste (Black)
13.2 gallons
5-tray
Polypropylene
Starter kit included
Pros
- Fast composting performance with quick breakdown
- Odor-free operation with proper ventilation
- Compact design fits apartments and kitchens
- Comes with comprehensive starter kit including tools
Cons
- Worms not included and must be purchased separately
- Higher price than basic models
The Blutezeit 5-Tray Worm Composter is the indoor kit I would buy if I wanted an all-in-one package that actually fits in a kitchen or apartment corner. At 16.14 by 12.6 by 16.93 inches, it has a smaller footprint than the VermiHut while still giving you five working trays.
Our team tested this in a small apartment kitchen over six weeks. The air holes in each tray keep odor under control, and the included coco-coir brick gives you proper bedding on day one. You also get tools, a soil meter, and a spigot for worm tea collection, which is impressive at this price point.
The 13.2-gallon capacity is a step down from the 50-liter bins, but it matches the smaller footprint. This is a great fit for one to two people who want a tidy indoor system that does not dominate a small space.
Best for apartment dwellers who want a complete kit
If you do not want to shop for bedding and accessories separately, the Blutezeit kit saves you time. The included instructions walk you through setup, and the coco coir brick hydrates into several trays of bedding.
Indoor odor performance
The per-tray ventilation holes are the key feature here. As long as you cover fresh food with a layer of moist bedding, the bin stays smell-free. The 4.5-star average across 357 reviews suggests most buyers have the same experience.
7. Worm Nerd WN54 4-Tray Bin Kit – Best for Counter or Desktop Use
Worm Nerd WN54 4-Tray Worm Composting Bin Kit with Coco Coir Brick for Recycling Food Waste, Worm Castings, Worm Tea, Vermiculture and Vermicomposting
4-tray
Compact size
Plastic
Coco coir brick included
Pros
- Reduces landfill waste by composting organic matter
- Improves plant health with nutrient-rich castings
- Compact size suitable for indoor countertops
- Includes step-by-step guide for beginners
- Comes with coco coir brick for bedding
Cons
- Limited stock with low inventory at times
- Lower rating compared to competitors
- Smaller capacity may not suit heavy composters
The Worm Nerd WN54 4-Tray Bin is the smallest stackable worm composter in this roundup, and that is its whole point. At just 9.88 by 8.88 by 12.56 inches, it fits on a countertop, a shelf, or a classroom table without dominating the space.
I gave this kit to a friend who lives in a tiny studio apartment and had been hesitant about worm composting for years. The included four-page beginner guide walked her through setup, and the coco coir brick meant she did not need to source bedding. She is now processing about half a pound of scraps per week and using the castings on her houseplants.
The 4.1-star rating is the lowest in this batch, and the small capacity is the tradeoff. This bin is for individuals, couples, or classrooms that produce modest amounts of food waste. If you cook for a family, look at the VermiHut or Urban Worm Bag instead.
Best for solo composters, classrooms, and curious beginners
If you want to dip a toe into worm composting without committing floor space, this is the most accessible option. It also makes a great teaching tool for kids because the compact size lets you observe the worms easily.
What the lower rating tells you
The 4.1-star average reflects complaints about cracked trays and slow shipping. With only 145 reviews, the sample is small. That said, the included guide and coco coir make this a genuinely beginner-friendly entry point if you accept the capacity limits.
8. Bumaeu Underground Worm Farm – Best Micro In-Ground Option
Underground Worm Farm, Garden Mini vermicomposting bin for use in Outdoor Gardening from Kitchen Food Waste, with Holes and lid, White (10.2x4.3x4.3IN)
In-ground tube
PVC
Breathable valve lid
Compact 4.33 inch footprint
Pros
- Goes directly in ground with no smell or ugly bins
- Blends into garden aesthetically
- Worms have easy access to soil
- Improves soil quality within 3-foot radius
- Great for raised beds and planters
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Screw tops can get stuck and become difficult to open
- Small size means you may need multiple units
- Can attract raccoons or possums without protection
- Narrow width makes it hard to insert hand
The Bumaeu Underground Worm Farm is the least expensive worm composter on this list, and it takes the in-ground concept to an extreme. At just 4.33 by 4.33 by 10.24 inches, this PVC tube buries completely in your garden bed. You drop in kitchen scraps, screw on the breathable valve lid, and let the local worm population find the buffet.
I buried three of these in a raised bed last summer and added scraps every few days. The 360-degree inlets on the lid let air in and release gas without letting rain flood the chamber. The worms entered through holes in the sides, processed the food, and carried nutrients into the surrounding soil.
For the price, this is hard to argue with. The catch is capacity. Each tube holds a small amount of waste, so a heavy-cooking household will need several units. The screw tops can also get stuck after a few months underground, so keep a pair of grippy gloves handy.
Best for budget gardeners and tinkerers
If you want to test the in-ground worm composting concept for the lowest possible cost, start here. You can add more tubes as you go. They blend completely into the garden, which is a real plus if you do not want a visible bin.
Pest protection tips for in-ground bins
The product description warns that raccoons and possums may investigate. If you have wildlife pressure, place a heavy paver or wire mesh over the lid until the local critters lose interest. The narrow width also means you will need a small trowel to add scraps rather than your hand.
How to Choose a Worm Composter in 2026?
Picking the right worm composter comes down to four questions. Where will it live, how much waste do you produce, how much time do you want to spend on maintenance, and what is your budget. Let me walk through each one based on what our team learned from testing.
Indoor vs outdoor setups
Indoor bins need tight odor control and a leak-proof base. Stackable tray systems like the VermiHut, FCMP Outdoor, Blutezeit, and VIVOSUN all work indoors when fed correctly. Outdoor bins have more flexibility. The Urban Worm Bag works well on a shaded patio. In-ground models like the Vego Garden and Bumaeu live entirely outside, buried in soil.
If you live in an apartment, focus on stackable tray systems under 50 liters and commit to burying every feeding under an inch of moist bedding. That single habit is what separates odor-free bins from smelly ones.
Capacity and worm count
Capacity ratings in liters or gallons tell you the physical volume of the bin, but the real question is how much waste it can handle per week. A well-established 50-liter tray bin with two pounds of red wigglers can process two to four pounds of food scraps per week. The Urban Worm Bag, with its 150-liter capacity, can handle double that.
A common question is how much compost 1,000 worms will make. Roughly 1,000 red wigglers weigh about one pound and can process about half a pound of food waste per day under ideal conditions. That works out to about three and a half pounds per week, producing roughly the same weight in castings over time.
Materials and durability
Plastic bins last longer and resist moisture better, but they need careful ventilation to avoid anaerobic smells. Fabric bins like the Urban Worm Bag breathe better and are easier to harvest, but the material will eventually degrade after several years of sun exposure. In-ground PVC tubes are durable but small.
Look for BPA-free materials if the castings will feed food crops. The FCMP Outdoor and Vego Garden both advertise BPA-free construction, which matters if you are feeding a vegetable garden.
Tray systems vs flow-through vs in-ground
Tray systems like VermiHut, FCMP, VIVOSUN, Blutezeit, and Worm Nerd use stacked trays where worms migrate upward toward fresh food. You harvest the bottom tray. This is the most common design and works well for most beginners.
Flow-through designs like the Urban Worm Bag use a single chamber with a harvest opening at the bottom. Worms stay near the top where the food is, and finished castings fall to the bottom. This is the lowest-effort harvest method.
In-ground systems like Vego Garden and Bumaeu live in the soil and feed the surrounding garden directly. There is no harvest step, but capacity is limited and you cannot easily move the bin.
Budget and starter kits
You do not need to spend over $100 to start worm composting. The VIVOSUN and Blutezeit kits both include accessories that save you a separate shopping trip. The Vego Garden and Bumaeu in-ground options are even cheaper for outdoor use.
Whatever you buy, remember that worms are sold separately. Budget another $30 to $50 for a pound of red wigglers unless you have a local source. Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the species to ask for, not common earthworms.
DIY alternatives worth knowing
Reddit’s r/Vermiculture community frequently recommends starting with a simple opaque tote from a hardware store. A 10 to 17 gallon tote with drilled air holes costs about $10 and works as well as many commercial bins. This is a legitimate option if you want to test the hobby before spending more.
The tradeoff is that DIY bins lack the worm tea collection, migration trays, and ventilation engineering of commercial options. If you stick with worm composting, you will probably upgrade. But for a first experiment, a tote bin is hard to beat.
Troubleshooting Common Worm Bin Problems
Most worm bin failures come down to a handful of mistakes. Here are the most common problems our team has seen, what causes them, and how to fix them.
Why does my worm bin smell bad?
A healthy worm bin smells like fresh forest soil, not rotting garbage. Bad smells mean you are overfeeding, the bin is too wet, or there is not enough airflow. Stop feeding for a week, add dry shredded paper or cardboard to absorb moisture, and fluff the bedding to introduce air.
How do I get rid of fruit flies in my worm bin?
Fruit flies appear when food is exposed on the surface. Bury every feeding under at least two inches of moist bedding. Add a sheet of damp cardboard or newspaper over the top as a cover. A vinegar trap near the bin will catch adults while you fix the underlying issue.
Why are worms escaping my bin?
Worms crawl out when conditions are wrong, usually too wet, too acidic, or too hot. Check the moisture level first. The bedding should feel like a wrung-out sponge, not dripping. If the bin is too acidic from citrus or coffee, add crushed eggshells or agricultural lime.
How do I deal with mites in my worm bin?
White or brown mites are usually harmless and indicate the bin is too wet or too acidic. Reduce feeding, add dry bedding, and let the surface dry out slightly. Predatory mites will move on once conditions improve.
Moisture problems: too wet or too dry
Too wet: add shredded paper, leave the lid off for a few hours, and drain the worm tea reservoir. Too dry: mist with dechlorinated water and add a damp layer of cardboard on top. Both problems are easy to fix once you check the bin weekly.
FAQs
What is the best worm composter?
The VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin is the best overall worm composter for most people, with a 4.5-star rating from over 1,900 reviews, a 50-liter capacity, an odor-reducing system, and a compact 17-inch footprint that works indoors or outdoors.
Are worm composters worth it?
Yes. Worm composters reduce household food waste, produce free nutrient-rich castings and worm tea for plants, and take up very little space. A well-managed bin pays for itself within a year if you would otherwise buy bagged compost or liquid fertilizer.
How much compost will 1000 worms make?
About 1,000 red wigglers weigh roughly one pound and can process about half a pound of food waste per day under ideal conditions. Over a week they will convert roughly three and a half pounds of scraps into a similar weight of worm castings.
What not to put in a worm compost bin?
Avoid meat, dairy, oils, greasy foods, citrus in large amounts, onions, garlic, salty foods, pet waste, and diseased plants. Stick to fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed eggshells, shredded paper, and cardboard.
Can you have a worm bin indoors?
Yes. Stackable tray systems like the VermiHut, FCMP Outdoor, Blutezeit, VIVOSUN, and Worm Nerd all work indoors when you bury food under moist bedding and avoid overfeeding. A properly maintained indoor worm bin has little to no odor.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Worm Composter for You
After testing eight worm composters, our team keeps coming back to the VermiHut Plus 5-Tray as the best overall pick for most households. It balances capacity, footprint, odor control, and proven long-term reliability better than anything else in this price range.
If you want to spend less, the VIVOSUN 5-Layer kit gives you nearly the same capacity with a full accessory package. If you want a no-harvest flow-through design, the Urban Worm Bag Version 2 is the clear choice. And if you just want to feed your garden soil directly, the Vego Garden in-ground composter is the simplest path.
Whichever bin you choose, the secret to success is the same. Start with red wigglers, bury every feeding under moist bedding, do not overfeed, and check the bin once a week. Do that, and the best worm composters in 2026 will keep producing free fertilizer for your plants year after year.