When it comes to 'composting' and it's kin there is certainly a wide range of opinions re: exact definitions. If you are looking for the 'technical' definition of composting, this might suffice: "Oxidative, thermophilic degradation of organic wastes, under controlled conditions"

So, technically speaking, true composting requires oxygen, involves a heating phase, and is a process invented & controlled by humans (not simply a natural process of decay). Of course, most backyard composters will poo poo technical jargon in favour of a much more laid back definition - and there us certainly nothing wrong with that!

No matter how you slice it, composting involves the break down of organic matter into a rich humus-like (not to be confused with hummus) material!

Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is a similar process but involves the joint action of earthworms and microorganisms (along with various other critters), and requires moderate temperatures (if the composting mass heats up to much you will lose your worms).

Typical backyard composting tends to be somewhere in the middle between true thermophilic composting and vermicomposting, since people tend to add small amounts of waste on a continuous basis (as opposed to large batches all at once). As a result, the decompostition processes tend to occur at temperatures similar to the surrounding environment.

It's important to mention that not just any worm can be used for vermicomposting - sure, common earthworms will invade a moderate-temperature outdoor bin and will help to break down organic matter, BUT in order to optimize the process (especially indoors) one needs to use specialized species of worm, well adapted for life in rich organic matter.

The most common worm used (in North America anyway) is the so-called 'Red Wiggler' or 'Redworm' (Eisenia fetida). This species thrives in rich organic matter, and in fact cannot survive in normal soil for extended periods. Redworms also reproduce very rapidly and are tolerant of higher temperatures than garden worms, thus making them even more well-suited for the job.

Composting with worms offers some advantages, especially for the average small-scale, home composter.

>> Composting worms can greatly increase the speed at which wastes are broken down and stabilized.

>> Eliminates the need to turn (or tumble) your waste material - the worm activity greatly assists with mixing and aeration.

>> Ideal process for those people with space-constraints, such as apartment dwellers. In fact it's really the only way you can compost indoors (for very little money anyway - there are some indoor composting systems now available but they tend to be quite expensive).

>> The material produced is a phenomenal plant fertilizer. Academic research (Ohio State University) has demonstrated that vermicomposts have beneficial properties not found in typical composts (although these are certainly good for plants too).

>> Great way to compost in the winter for those not loony enough to maintain outdoor winter bins (yeah, that would be ME!)

>> Valuable learning experience for youngsters

>> Once you get the hang of it - very easy, odorless, and FUN!