Tom Wilkinson

Tom was always interested in working outdoors and has always been curious to try out different ways of doing things. When vermiculture arrived at the top of his list he explored the library and the Internet for a way to involve his food wastes, leaves and grass clippings.

Everything seemed too small, too large or too expensive, so he decided to build a medium-sized system that didn't cost much. First he had to understand the basic principles behind vermiculture and then he designed systems that met his needs. Gradually, through several years of trial and error, the VermiChester system evolved and is no longer just an idea.

"Beyond Compost" takes you through the parameters of raising worms describing each of their needs and explaining why his system evolved into the unique form that developed to meet those needs.

Ample photography supplements detailed instructions for building VermiChester units and a VermiHarvester from local materials. The book includes a bibiography and a glossary.

"Mas Alla del Compost" is a Spanish translation of "Beyond Compost" edited by friends in Costa Rica.

In 2011, Tom was introduced to biochar, and as a result started the company "AbonoChar LLC", which has introduced the "BioPreta VermiCompost TeaPot", a blend of vermicompost and horticultural charcoal.