“A Worm Bin???” – Five Reasons for Composting with Worms

A local Farmers’ Market is one of the best venues I know for meeting a variety of people.  At the Market, you find all kinds of people.  Locals searching for deals on the best produce.  Tourists leisurely strolling and soaking in the community.  Parents with young children enjoying a Saturday morning outing.  Vendors glad to be sharing their special treasures.  I especially love the varied reactions I get from all these people about the products I sell.  You see, I am a worm farmer and I sell worms and worm products.

My simple, plastic worm bin that I carry to the Market weekly proudly sports the sticker:  “Scoop Poop, Plant Seeds, Stay Humble.”  My recycled milk jugs hold a brownish liquid labeled Plant Mega-Boost/Worm Tea (which I call a Plant Probiotic).  I have bags of rich, “Black Gold” (worm compost).

Some people know exactly the amazing qualities of worms and worm products.  The transformative properties of worm compost and worm tea make these products addictive to gardeners who have sampled them.  There is no need to explain my products to them.  Others have perhaps heard a little about the benefits of worms.  Surely we all have an inherent knowledge that worms are valuable?  I know that the children I urge to come help me dig a little in my worm bin are all thrilled when we find a squiggly, little worm.  And then some people give me a strange, sideways look, certainly perplexed over this woman who carries worms to the Market.    

 With these many reactions in mind, I would like to clarify exactly why someone might want to have a worm bin.  The vast majority of the work I do in my worm business is to educate people about what composting with worms is all about.  So, let’s consider some of the reasons that you might have a worm bin.

1. To recycle valuable food scraps and divert waste from the landfill:  A worm bin consists of appropriate bedding in which the worms live (such as damp, shredded newspaper) and added food scraps, mostly fruits and vegetables.  In a few short months, the worms will completely compost the bedding as well as take care of your food scraps.  That can be a significant reduction in waste for your family!
2. To create compost:  The compost that is produced by the worms is often called “Black Gold” due to its amazing benefits.  To name only a few benefits, the compost improves the structure of the soil and increases microbial life, it improves the germination of seeds and the growth of plants on all parameters, and it suppresses plant diseases and repels harmful insects.  The compost can be used to create worm tea that is super-enriched with microbes and an instant plant boost.  If you garden in any fashion, the worm compost will not disappoint you!
3. To be thrifty:  By recycling food waste and producing valuable worm compost, you can save money on buying expensive fertilizers and pesticides, whether they are conventional or organic.
4. To encourage an ethic:  Using worm compost as a soil amendment, a growth enhancer, and a deterrent to disease and pests is compatible with organic gardening and sustainable living.  Essentially, this process produces “living soil” and ends the use of harmful artificial fertilizers and pesticides.  You can have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the environment as you use this natural product.
5. To inspire a new project:  Composting with worms is an easy, fun project that is very rewarding.  Worms are the easiest pets imaginable!  For me, I enjoy my never-ending science project of raising worms and improving my gardening skills.  This could be a simple hobby that you and your whole family enjoy together.

    Whatever your knowledge of composting with worms might be, I would encourage you to consider participating in this great activity.  I personally think everyone SHOULD compost with worms because of the many benefits, and everyone CAN compost with worms because it is so easy!  I would be more than happy to help you get started should you decide to pursue this worthwhile endeavor.  Go ahead and try it! You will be amazed at how much fun you will have!