Wood to Worms

Each spring I release Red Wigglers into my small garden. Then all summer I feed the worms via my plastic containers. These containers are drilled with 3/8" holes. The worms go in these "Bate bombs" to eat, then go out and poop... in, out, repeat. The containers need refilling all summer long. Each fall once the ground gets a hard frost, the worms leave the garden and come to the food containers. That is when I take my Red Wigglers into the heated garage.

I found some big fat European Night Crawlers in an order of Red Wigglers.

Tight fit. He may have trouble getting past his collar?

And for those of you who are seriously into SOIL. Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis have a series of "Teaming with ..." Microbes, fungi and Nutrients.

This is my favorite book. I was been using the book on the right 1982. I now use the newer version printed in 2017. Very good book.

~Did you know: Worms actually need microbes (mostly bacteria) in their gut to process food. So if at all possible do not put worms in bins without life, the worms would be missing out on important nutrients found in the "Soil Food Web" ~SOIL FOOD WEB: BACTERIA (needed for worms to digest food), FUNGI (plants rely on fungi to bring water and nutrients to plants), ... PROTOZOA (they eat mineral releasing, nitrogen fixing microbes. It is these microbes that are rich in amino acids and minerals. This is the basis for the production of chlorophyll in the leaf and the replication of DNA and proteins required for plant growth), NEMATODES (these small translucent roundworms eat bacteria and fungi and create plant available nutrients). ~Side note: The rotting leaves in the spring are rich source of carbon. Carbon is an integral part of many biological processes, including reproduction, photosynthesis and respiration. ~DO NOT roto till your garden. This practice has been proven to kill our worms, their pathways, their food and over time decrease yield. ~DO NOT use pesticides or non organic fertilizer. This practice KILLS your soil, resulting in a sterile environment allowing for further disease and nutrient deficiencies. I can go on and on about soil and the "Soil Food Web". Do your homework. HELP the planet... GO GREEN. :)

I now use straw in all my farms, I love the structure, it stays fluffy longer.

I found this interesting. https://urbanwormcompany.com/how-to-prevent-and-eliminate-/

This video is talking about worms and a bit on the Worm Factory 360

From 130 worms to 4 lbs. in 18 months. Stop at 30 seconds.