What is Worm Farming?

Worm farming has been around for years on various scales.  However most people don't really understand the need for farming worms, people who already participate in this activiting fully understand it and realize the great benefit that is bestowed upon the environment.  If you care for the ecosystem and also the garden then worm farming is perhaps for you.

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.  There are even landfills that buy worms so that the waste can be composted naturally.  

As worms dig through the soil, they aerate and stir up the soil carrying water with them.  When worms compost the waste it's basically broken down and turned into a product that the soil in your garden can use therefore improving fertilization .

In recent years, the availability of the equipment needed for worm farming 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.  

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.  What the worms then produce is called vermicompost  is perfect for feeding your plants.

Worm farming can also be an excellent educational tool.  It's also often seen as a very space-efficient means of composting kitchen waste, small kits can be purchased and even hand made to be used in a classroom setting.  Kids can then be taught about the importance of reducing what we put into landfill and how worms can really help us.

It might surprise you just how many different places you are able to farm worms.  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 you should be rewarded with a healthy population of worms.