quick answers # Questions, answered About vermicompost, using it, and getting it delivered. _Illustration: Three seed packets standing in soil like row markers, each with a seedling opening its leaves beside it, and an earthworm at the right reading what has grown_ ## About vermicompost What is vermicompost? Vermicompost is compost made by earthworms. They eat organic matter like cow dung and plant waste, and what comes out (worm castings) is a dark, crumbly, nutrient-rich soil food. How is it different from cow dung manure or regular compost? Raw manure can be too strong for plants and may carry weed seeds. Regular compost is made by heat and time alone. Vermicompost passes through earthworms, which makes it finer, richer in microbes and gentler on roots. Does it smell? No. Good vermicompost smells like fresh earth after rain. It is clean enough to use on indoor plants. Are there live worms in the bag? No. We separate the worms during harvest and sieving. You may find the odd worm cocoon, which is harmless and good for your soil. ## Using it How much should I use? For pots, 1 to 2 handfuls per pot every 30 to 45 days. For garden beds, 0.5 to 1 kg per square metre. Our How to use page has the standard rates for every kind of plant, from pots to field crops. Can I use too much? It is gentle and will not burn roots, but more is not always better. Stick to the rates on our How to use page and mix it with soil rather than using it on its own. Can I use it with other fertilisers? Yes. Many gardeners and farmers use it alongside their usual inputs and gradually cut down on chemical fertiliser as their soil improves. How should I store it? Keep the bag closed, in a cool and shaded place, away from direct sun and rain. Use within six months of opening for best results. ## Quotes, orders and delivery How do I get a price? We quote every order, so there are no listed prices. Add the packs you want to your quote list and send it, or message us on WhatsApp. We reply within one working day with a quotation that includes delivery to your address. What does delivery cost? Delivery is included in your quotation as a fixed amount, worked out before we quote and not added to afterwards. You see it before you agree to anything. How do I pay? Once you accept the quotation we send payment details. Within India you can pay by bank transfer, UPI or card. For exports, payment is by bank transfer, usually part in advance and the balance against the shipping documents, or by letter of credit for larger orders. Where do you deliver and how long does it take? Within India, courier delivery takes 2 to 7 working days. We currently ship to India, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Australia and Canada, and to other countries on request, by air or sea freight. Timing depends on the route, and your quotation states it. Do you ship internationally? Yes, to the countries listed above and to others on request. Import rules for soil amendments differ by country, so tell us where you are and we will confirm what is needed before you order. Do you offer bulk and wholesale quotations? Yes. Farmers, nurseries, landscapers, retailers, importers and distributors can ask for a bulk quotation from 100 kg upwards. Send an enquiry from the Bulk orders or Export page. Who pays import duties and taxes? The buyer pays any import duties, taxes and customs charges that apply in the destination country. We prepare the export documents and can advise on what to expect. What if my order arrives damaged? Send us photos or a short video within 48 hours of delivery and we will replace it or credit you. The full rules are on the Shipping and returns page. ## Still curious? Message us anywhere in the world. A real person replies. [Contact us](https://thecomposta.com/contact) _Illustration: A hand-drawn question mark standing on soil that finishes its stem into a seed, grows roots and opens two leaves at its tip to become a seedling, while a puzzled earthworm unties itself and waves_ --- Source: https://thecomposta.com/faq The Composta is a brand of Nutrify Private Limited, 1st Floor, Plot No. B & B1, Vanijya Nikunj, Enkay Centre, Udyog Vihar Phase 5, Gurugram, Haryana 122016, India. Contact: contact@thecomposta.com, +91 90535 19734 (also WhatsApp). Quotes: sales@thecomposta.com. Importers and bulk buyers: export@thecomposta.com. More for agents: https://thecomposta.com/llms.txt