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Worm Farming
What is Worm
Farming?
Worm farming has been around for years
on various scales. While the reasons for
worm farming are not widely known, those
who participate are big believers in the
benefits that these worms have on the
environment.
Many worm farmers commercially culture
worms for profit. Specific breeds of
worms are bred and are typically kept in
breed specific quarters. Commercially
raised worms are typically sold for
composting. Some worm farmers distribute
to landfills providing a natural method
for composting waste.
These specifically bred worms are also
used for soil fertilization. As worms
dig through the soil, they aerate and
stir up the soil carrying water with
them. The waste that is composted by the
worms is broken down into a substance
that can be better used by the soil,
improving the fertilization of the soil.
A healthy soil is then produced for
better growing plants, vegetables and
crops.
In recent years, the supply of worm
farming equipment and accessories has
made it easier for individuals to make a
hobby of this technique. Household sized
bins are on the market in a variety of
shapes and sizes. Home owners and
apartment dwellers have been given the
opportunity to raise their own worms for
waste compost and soil fertilization.
Worm farming provides worms with a
nutrient rich diet of what many times is
thrown out with the garbage including
discarded fruits and vegetables. Other
compostable materials include paper
products and cotton rags, leaves, egg
shells and hair. Excreted by the worm is
a nutrient rich substance called
vermicompost or worm compost.
Worms are also farmed for bait. Small
bait and tackle shops often receive
their livestock inventory from worm
farmers providing fishermen with various
worms to use as live bait. Fishermen who
fish on a larger scale than the hobbyist
often use these worms for bait for
anglers and other large catches.
Many different worms are available
depending on the job. Each variety of
worms is used for its own reasons. Red
worms are commonly used for composting
while the Belgian worms are good for
both composting and bait. Home owners
looking for worms to keep in lawns and
flower beds will find success with Night
Crawlers and Wigglers.
Worm farming can also be an excellent
educational tool. As using worms provide
a more space effective way for
composting, small kits can be purchased
and even hand made to be used in a
classroom setting. Students are able to
participate in the project learning
about how composting occurs. Using
natural methods for composting and
reducing waste in landfills is easily
demonstrated by classroom worm farms.
Worms can be farmed just about anywhere.
With the various systems available on
the market today, home owners can raise
their own supply of worms outside or in
an apartment. Providing the correct
amount of moisture, light, bedding,
temperature and food will ensure a long
living worm population. In return, the
reward will be a natural way for
composting without filling up local
landfills. As a result, nutrient rich
soil is provided that can be used right
away or stored for use during gardening
season.
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A Different Kind of Worm Farm
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Catalpa Worm Farming
Facts about Worm Farming
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