The wonder of red wiggler worms
By: Cathy Nesbitt
What are creepy and crawly, have five hearts, consume half their body
weight in food daily, can live up to 10 years, and are great waste managers?
Worms! And what's a great way to care for our environment? Vermicomposting!
Worms are going to play an ever increasing role in waste management
and soil production. Red wiggler worms (eisenia fetida) convert food
scraps and paper into nature's finest fertilizer. As nature's original
recyclers, they consume approximately half their weight daily!
Many municipalities have introduced organic collection programs, and
backyard composting is widespread. Vermicomposting is a great alternative
for use in commercial and multi-residential buildings. The solution
to the garbage crisis is several solutions, one of which is worm composting.
Worm composting is an excellent solution for those that do not have
the space to do traditional backyard composting. As vermicomposting
can be done indoors, composting continues throughout the year.
Worms turn organic materials into nutrient rich castings. Worm castings
are recognized as one of nature's finest organic fertilizers. Castings
(worm compost) are considered "Black Gold" among avid gardeners. Less
dependence on chemical fertilizers will benefit the environment and
save money too.
There are three main components to successful worm composting: temperature,
air flow and moisture content. The optimum temperature is between 16-
28 C (60-80 F). Worm composting is an aerobic process meaning "with
oxygen", so air holes in the worm bin are essential. Worms are approximately
90% moisture so they require a fairly moist environment. The bedding
should be the consistency of a wrung out sponge.
Worm composting
is an excellent way to get children interested in the environment. Worms
are working pets that can help your children understand nature. They
see worms magically convert organics into soil. Why not employ these
wonderful workers willing to work for food scraps?
Worms in the classroom offer a tremendous learning opportunity. Children
learn about worm habitat, worm biology and worm composting from set
up to harvest. Worm composting offers a cross-curricular learning opportunity.
The more people that are exposed to the idea of vermicomposting and
composting, the better off society, civilization and the earth will
be. It is our belief that vermicomposting will help solve part of the
current garbage crisis. Schools, daycares, retirement homes and everyone
everywhere can take up this easy, lowcost method of waste management.
For more information visit www.cathyscomposters.com or call 1-888-775-9495
Back to Articles
