For The Love Of Earthworms

Let's be honest: Worms get a bum rap. They are often depicted in a cartoon-like fashion, ruining that beautiful red apple or inching away scared to avoid becoming that bird's next meal. But did you know earthworms do more than feed baby birds? They are actually a powerhouse among our human ecosystem and essential to soil health.

Let's talk about why.

Have you ever dug down into the dirt in your backyard under a happy plant or tree to find a plethora of earthworms wriggling? Or seen earthworms on the sidewalk after a big rain?

It’s not surprising. There are more than 3,000 known species of earthworms worldwide whose mission in life is to eat dirt and decaying matter. Not an ideal diet for us humans but the perfect nosh for a worm's long, straight digestive tract.

As the dirt or decaying matter flows through their bodies, the worms absorb any remaining nutrients it contains, and then "dispose" of what is left, creating dirt pellets with a vital mix of nutrients and bacteria that tends to be readily absorbed by plant life. In healthy natural soil, that is happening ALL around – or should I say underneath – us.

But studies have also shown when worm castings (garden-speak for worm poop) are used as a soil amendment, plant growth and yield improves substantially.

Worm poop makes incredible fertilizer.

Because the benefits of worm castings in the garden were discovered quite some time ago, you COULD run out and purchase a bag of magical garden poo at most local garden stores these days. But if you want to truly take advantage of an earthworm's many talents, we highly suggest you try your hand at vermiculture – keeping and caring for those worms.

Vermiculture, which dates back to the 1880s and is used commercially in many parts of the world, happens to be another way to combat food waste produced in human households. It is estimated that a pound of worms can process up to a half a pound of food scraps a day. This makes an excellent complement to an outdoor compost bin or in place of one in smaller households.

Bottom line, raising and feeding earthworms can quickly divert food waste from landfills while also providing you with a rich fertilizer for your own garden at a minimal cost.

Although there are plenty of pre-built worm bins available for purchase, it's pretty darn simple to make one yourself and get started right away. Most of the materials you'll need to do it, you'll have lying around your house or will be easy to locate. Google "DIY worm bins" or IFAS has a step-by-step tutorial. We love this one as well.

Filling your bin with worms is also pretty easy because the types of earthworms best for vermicomposting also tend to make excellent fishing bait. Call your local bait shop and ask if they sell red wigglers or nightcrawlers. You'll also want to ask when they get their next shipment in and plan to get there soon after. Starting with fresh, healthy earthworms is essential.

Once you've built your worm bin and acquired your new food waste army of worms, introduce them to their new home and feed them daily. Be sure to store that bin in the darkest location you can.

If you are in a warmer climate and are starting the bin in the summer months, do your best to find the coolest location you have like a shed in a shady spot, laundry room, or the garage. Likewise, in cooler times of the year, find a more temperate location, so they don't get too cold.

Assuming those worms remain happy and well-fed, they will stick around, make more worms, and generate that sweet, sweet garden-bolstering “poo.” If they need something, they'll show you by trying to escape.

Still think worms are useless? We hope not! And should you decide earthworm rearing is not your thing, we won’t blame you, but you can still do your part to help them survive in the natural soil environment by avoiding the use of chemicals on your lawn and garden.

Happy Worming!

Interesting worm facts:

• Most earth worms were brought to the US by settlers contained in produce and soil brought over on ships.

• Worms do not have eyes.

• Worms respirate through their skin and must stay moist to survive.

Sources:

 https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/08/12/489748719/the-power-of-worm-poop

http://static.nsta.org/connections/elementaryschool/201302SmithWormMisconceptionsTable.pdf

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Transition Sarasota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is part of Transition US. For almost a decade, Transition Sarasota has partnered with farms in Manatee and Sarasota Counties to glean excess produce and donate it to the area food banks. This provides local, nutritious produce to diverse populations, supports local farms with a tax deduction for donated produce, and builds community by uniting volunteers with interest in local, sustainable food.