Worm farming, technically called vermiculture, is an easy, natural way to turn table scraps into a rich fertilizer. The soil in a worm farm is full of worm urine (called tea) and worm feces (called castings), both of which contain a host of nutrients good for gardening soil and plants.
Tiger worms (Eisenia fetida) are commonly used for earthworm farming. The tiger worm likes to eat food scraps and lives near the soil's surface rather than burrowing.
Worm farm containers can be purchased from garden centers and hardware stores or made from recycled materials. Wooden worm farm containers are absorbent and provide great insulation.
Worms prefer temperatures ranging from 40 to 85 degrees F. Containers should be kept in a shady area that doesn't receive full sun.
Worms lay their eggs in moist bedding. Shredded paper combined with soil is a common, inexpensive bedding material.
Worms breed and lay eggs every week to 10 days. Each egg capsule typically houses six to 20 worms that hatch in about 21 days.
Adult earthworms eat as much as half of their body weight every day. Worms self-regulate populations according to available food and space.
- Worm Farming
- Making a Worm Farm
- Worm Farming
- Your Four-Step Guide to Creating a Worm Farm
- Compost Worms
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About this Author
Cat Carson has been a writer, editor and researcher for more than 10 years. She has professional experience in a variety of media, including the Internet, newspapers, newsletters and magazines. Her work has appeared on various websites. Carson holds master’s degrees in both writing and cultural anthropology, and is currently working toward her doctorate degree.