Hi there, I wonder if you could clarify worm tea vs worm leachate. We have one of your worm farms, which is great and we're considering getting a second one and giving the extras to family and friends.

However I was reading up on worm tea and other sources tell me that the liquid we are actually collecting from our worm bin is leachate, which is quite different and more dangerous. Our 'tea' is quite stinky, which we assumed was normal but, apparently it's not. The description on the product says we are producing 'tea'. I would be grateful if you could clarify for us! Thank you. 

Hi Lily

Gardeners have used worm juice (tea) on their gardens diluted at a 1-10 ratio for years with great success. Leachate and worm juice tea are not the same thing. Worm tea is a light amber liquid that comes from the worm farm, it is aerobic and has been through the gut of healthy worms.

Leachate is a dark, sometimes foul smelling liquid that has not been through the gut of healthy worms and so contains bacteria that is not safe. This liquid is anaerobic and is a tell-tale sign that the eco system within the worm farm is out of balance. Either more bedding needs to be added or the worms fed less. Apply Tui Lime or Tui Worm Farm & Compost Conditioner to help speed up decomposition of the scraps. Leachate can be used on non-edible plants at a dilute ratio of 1-2, as long as there are no edible plants in the garden.

Thanks, Tui Team.