Desert Vermicomposting with SubPod, an In-Ground System

I think that the SubPod is a fantastic vermicomposting system for deserts and dry climate areas of the world, and in this post, I would like to give a brief explanation why I say that. 

Deserts and dry climates present numerous challenges for those of us living, gardening, and growing food within them. 
In this post I explained the challenges pertaining especially to compost making and how the different compost making systems each present their own pros and cons in hot and dry climates. As we discovered, one of the easiest and most versatile composting solutions for our climate are in fact worm farms and the process of vermicomposting. 

In my vermicomposting guide I then presented a few solutions pertaining specifically to those of us who choose to work with composting worms to break down their organic waste. 
 
As I mentioned in that post, there are numerous ways in which we can set up a vermicomposting system, but here is why I believe that the SubPod is a great solution for us desert dwellers who are looking for a ready-made and proven system. 

I was first introduced to SubPod in 2019, at the ‘Greening the Desert Project’ in Jordan, a world-renowned permaculture demonstration site in the harsh environment of the dead sea valley. That year they installed a few SubPods in some raised beds next to the communal kitchen, with the aim of testing them and seeing how they would function in this hot and dry environment. 
 
Fast forward a few years (currently 2023), and those systems are still in place and in daily use. For me this is a great testament and demonstration of their effectiveness and durability. This is the sort of testing and quality control that puts my mind at ease when deciding on which system or product to purchase for my own use.

So what is the SubPod, and what makes it so great for our desert conditions? 

It is an in-ground vermicomposting system that can either be dug directly into your garden bed, or they can be used within permanent or portable raised beds. 

This is very valuable in a desert environment for two main reasons: 

1. Being in-ground systems means that they do not get affected by the extreme temperatures of this climate, whereas an above-ground system can be very susceptible to these temperatures, unless they are well insulated. 
   This natural temperature moderation results in a very comfortable living, breeding and compost making environment for the worms to live in. 

2. As they are designed to be integrated within the growing system of your garden, balcony or terrace, it is much easier to maintain the correct moisture levels within the system, as it can easily be integrated with your existing irrigation methods. This results in no additional work for the user (and eliminates the chances of forgetting to check on them), and the worms are kept happy and healthy. Everybody wins. 

Here are a few more benefits of using an in-ground system: 

1. The worms have the option to enter and exit the worm farm as they choose. 

2. Local soil microbes can easily get into the system and become a valuable addition to the decomposition ‘team’. 

3. Access liquid in the form of both water and worm ‘juice’ can easily drain out of the system into the surrounding soil, and are immediately available to the surrounding plants, providing them with a constant flow of high-quality fertility and moisture. 

4. In-ground systems also have less visual impact, and blend into your growing systems quite easily. In the case of the SubPod, they can even be set up as a unique sitting spot within your garden. 

Please Note: In this post I discuss the the merits of using a SubPod in a desert environment, but they are in no way limited to a dry climate, and can be used successfully in any other climate in which composting worms thrive.

In conclusion, 

Whilst the SubPod is not the only option when it comes to vermicomposting systems in deserts and drylands, it is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking for a ready-to-buy outdoor vermicomposting option, made of long-lasting quality materials and are designed to be practical and functional. 

On their website they currently offer the SubPod in two different sizes suitable for use in your existing garden, terrace or balcony. 
They also offer a range of raised beds and other useful tools and materials available for anyone desiring an all-in-one solution. 

You can access their shop and find any further information on the SubPod on their website here. 
Enjoy an easy 10% discount on any purchases from their website by entering the following discount code upon check-out: SHAWN+10 

Thank you for your time, and as always, I do hope that you found this post interesting and helpful.

Should you have any questions, personal experiences or observations regarding the SubPod system, then please get involved in this conversation by using the comment section below.

See you in the next one.

With Love,
Shawn.