Vermicomposting, or worm farming, is an enterprise that can be as large or small as needed—it can even be done indoors.
For millions of years, worms have been nature’s recyclers, consuming decaying organic matter and leaving behind nutrient- and mineral-rich castings (worm poop). They also act as tiny rototillers, breaking up compacted soil so air, water, and plant roots can circulate more freely.
They can consume an amount of organic matter equal to their body weight in a day, and are prolific breeders. Under ideal conditions, a worm farm can double its population in just a few months, meaning some can be moved outside to the garden as the temperatures warm up, or shared with green-thumbed friends. Ready to invite these handy wigglers into your life?
Compost Champs
Not all worms make good vermicompost worms; this includes the common red earthworms that are probably already in the garden and aren’t commonly used for composting because of their slow maturation and reproductive rates. The top choices for worm farming are red wigglers (aka redworms, manure, branding, trout, or tiger worms), African nightcrawlers, European nightcrawlers, and Indian or Malaysian blue worms. All are epigeic, which means they live near the top of the soil, where fresh organic compost matter is placed.
