The Amazing Benefits Of Worm Farming & How To Get Started
Most gardeners are well-aware of the huge benefit that earthworms have for the soil. Likewise, most gardeners know of the benefits of compost. But did you know that you can combine the two to create the most beautiful, healthy, nutrient-rich compost that nature has to provide?
How Does It Work?
Worm farming, also known as “vermicomposting”, is a very simple and natural method of creating nutrient-rich compost, and without the use any chemical additives. It essentially involves keeping worms in a confined area, and constantly feeding them with garden and raw vegetable food waste. The worms then gradually break down the waste, creating rich compost, as well as other highly beneficial by-products.
Unfortunately, not all earthworms are suitable. Red Wigglers, also known as Red Wrigglers, are the most commonly use type of worm, though you are unlikely to find them in your back yard. Ask your local nursery about them. Otherwise, they can easily be sourced online.
The By-products
- Black Gold – Aka worm tea, or worm juice.This is a certain dark nutrient-dense liquid by-product that seeps from the bottom of a worm-farming container if it’s set up right. This can then be added to compost and soil to enrich it even further. It takes a lot of worm farming and waste to produce a small amount of Black Gold, but in the long run it’s more than worth it.
- Worm Castings – These are essentially the reason that vermicomposting creates such effective compost. They are the “casings” of waste matter that have passed through the digestive tract of the worms and provide the perfect balance of nutrients and soil consistency to aid in the growth and vitality of plants.
The Basic Steps To Starting A Worm Farm
Please Note: The following are simply the basics. For best results it recommended to thoroughly research every aspect involved.
- Find or make a worm composting container – Containers are often available at nurseries or can be purchased online. Alternatively making one is not difficult, with directions on how easily found and available online.
- Add Some Compost – The Red Wigglers need somewhere to start off. Add a bit of quality compost to give them a ground-base.
- Add some vegetable and garden waste – Add a bit of vegetables and plant waste to for the worms to get started with. Remember to only use raw vegetable matter from your kitchen. Be sure to research what food and waste to avoid such as meat, eggshells, onions, cooked foods, etc.
- Add the Wigglers – Gently add your new little friends and watch them go.
- Continue feeding them – Keep them happy and they will do most of the work.
Conclusion
Getting started is generally the easy part, just like when you play blackjack for money. Worming farming is simple in many ways though still requires great care and diligence. Harvesting the worm casting and keeping you worms happy and well-fed is an important part of maintenance. With a bit of research and sourcing though, virtually anyone can do it.
