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Lifespan
Conservative estimate: 4-8 years
Barrett estimates 15+
Mortality by accident
Primitive physiology is unchanged
Body composition:
70-95% water
Balance = protein, fat, minerals absorbed from soil
Earthworm Biology 1001
Segmented body
somites
Somites equipped with
setae
Five hearts
Cold-blooded
Peristonium = mouth
Prostonium for prying
Earthworm Biology 1001
Mucus is critical:
Holds in moisture
Aids in respiration
Protects body while burrowing
Sperm carrier during reproduction
Reproductive System
Vermiculture is
the culture of earthworms
Vermicomposting is
using earthworms and microorganisms to convert
organic waste into black, earthy-smelling, nutrient-
rich humus.
- Mary Appelhof
Why?
Organic Matter
Temperature
Compost bin = 130-160 F; 6-8 months
Worm bin = 59-70 F; year-round
Air circulation
Compost bin = vents + turning
Worm bin = vents + worm churn
Comparison of Composting
Moisture
Compost bin = rain, hose, organic matter
Worm bin = foodstock
Microorganisms
Compost bin = bacteria + fungi + some worms
Worm bin = worm mass + bacteria + fungi, etc.
Comparison of Composting
Time
Compost bin = few months; depends on weather
Worm bin = few months
How can I vermicompost?
E
Three s:
Education
Equipment
Environment
1st E: Education
Books
Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof
The Earthworm Book: How to Raise and Use
Earthworms for Your Farm and Garden, by Jerry
Minnich
Extension office bulletins
Earthworm Biology and Production by the
University of California Cooperative Extension,
leaflet #2828
1st E: Education
Resources on the Internet:
The Compost Resource Page
http://www.oldgrowth.org/compost
Worm Digest
http://www.wormdigest.org
Cityfarmer
http://www.cityfarmer.org
Worm Woman (Mary Appelhofs site)
http://www.wormwoman.com
2nd E: Equipment
Suppliers:
The Happy D Worm Ranch
http://www.happydranch.com
Biological Home Grown Farm
http://www.worm-publications.com/biologicalhome.htm
The Worm Farm
http://www.empnet.com/worms/welcome.htm
Worm Bins
Size
Construction
Plastic vs. Wood construction
Commercial
Can-O-Worms
Worm-A-Way
Worm-A-Roo
Worm Bins
Size
Track food waste for a week
Allow one square foot of surface per pound of waste
Example problem:
Five pounds of food waste per week will require 5 ft of
surface.
Bin should measure 1 x 2 x 3 (6 ft)
Bin Construction
Can-O-Worms
Most popular
Enclosed tier system
Bottom catch tray &
spigot
Stackable mesh trays
Worms migrate vertically
Easy to harvest castings
$130.00 incl. shipping
Commercial Bins
Worm-A-Way
Plastic
Ventilated
Several sizes
Lightweight
$90-$100 incl. Worms &
shipping
Commercial Bins
Worm-A-Roo
Double bin system
Plastic
Migration device
Lightweight
$140-$170 incl. Supplies,
worms, and shipping
3rd E: Environment
A worm bin must be:
Convenient
Easily accessible
In a well-ventilated location
Covered and protected from wind, sun, and animals
Bedding
Various materials:
Shredded newspaper
Sphagnum Peat Moss
Manure
Leaf litter
Coir (Coconut fiber)
Wood chips
Dampen bedding with tap water
Mix well
Bedding
Recommended: 59-77 F
A cooler bin A warmer bin
Stays moist Dries out quickly
Worms appear more Worms appear more
active lethargic
Bedding is thicker Bedding appears to be
settled
May have more mites
Harder to maintain non-
Easier to maintain ambient temperature
consistent conditions Additional moisture
required
Bin Care & Maintenance
Variety
Bury foodstock under bedding
Dont overload system
Maintain aerobic conditions
C/N ratio
Foodstock
DOs DONTs
Fruit & vegetable scraps
Banana peels
Non-Biodegradables
Grains & cereals, pasta Plastic
Tea bags & leaves Glass
Cooked eggs & shells Rubber
Coffee grounds & filters Pet feces (cats)
Onions & potatoes
Toxic materials
Pancakes
Ex: orange peels
Banana bread, cake
Leaves Plant cuttings treated with
herbicides or insecticides
Plant cuttings
Foodstock
Vermicompost supplies:
Nutrient-rich organic fertilizer
Humus is beneficial to plant growth
Humic acid
Binding site for plant nutrients
Increases soil texture and aggregation
Improves permeability
Harvest Methods