Start an Earthworm Farm and Harvest Castings
GardenRx: Start an Earthworm Farm and Harvest Castings / PBS-TV’s Garden Rx starring Loren Nancarrow shows you how to build your own earthworm farm and harvest casting.
Earthworm farming, also known as vermiculture, is a fantastic way to enrich your garden soil and reduce waste. By starting your own earthworm farm, you can create a sustainable ecosystem that produces nutrient-rich castings, or worm compost, to fertilize your plants. In this video episode of GardenRx with Loren Nancarrow, we will guide you through the process of setting up an earthworm farm and harvesting the valuable castings.
First, let’s discuss the benefits of earthworm compost for your garden. Earthworm castings are a natural fertilizer that enhance plant growth and health. They contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with beneficial bacteria and enzymes that promote soil fertility. The castings also improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration, creating an ideal environment for plant roots.
To begin your earthworm farming adventure, you will need a few essential materials. Start with a large container, such as a plastic bin or wooden box, which will be the home for your earthworms. Ensure that the container has a lid to maintain a controlled environment. Drill small holes in the sides and bottom for proper ventilation and drainage.
Next, add a layer of bedding material to the container. This can be a combination of shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, and aged compost. Dampen the bedding with water until it feels like a wrung-out sponge. This provides a cozy home for the earthworms and helps retain moisture.
Now it’s time to introduce the earthworms. Red worms, also known as red wigglers or Eisenia fetida, are the ideal species for vermicomposting. You can purchase them from local garden centers or order them online. Start with a handful of worms and gradually increase the population as the farm establishes.
Feed your earthworms with kitchen scraps, such as vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and crushed eggshells. Avoid adding oily or fatty foods, meat, dairy products, or citrus fruits as they can attract pests or create imbalances in the worm bin. Remember, moderation is key when feeding your worms, as overfeeding can lead to odor problems.
Cover the food scraps with a layer of bedding material to deter fruit flies and other pests. The worms will consume the organic matter and convert it into nutrient-rich castings. It’s important to maintain the moisture level in the worm farm, so periodically sprinkle water on the bedding to keep it moist but not soggy.
As the earthworms digest the organic matter, they leave behind castings in their trails. The castings resemble dark, crumbly soil and have a pleasant earthy smell. These castings are the gold of your worm farm and can be used as a top dressing for potted plants or mixed with garden soil for overall soil improvement. Harvesting the castings can be done using a simple technique called “separating and feeding.” Start by pushing the contents ofthe vermicomposting bin to one side, creating an empty space.
The castings, which are dark, nutrient-rich soil, will be concentrated in this area. Next, add fresh organic waste, such as vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and coffee grounds, to the other side of the bin. The worms will naturally migrate towards the new food source, leaving behind the castings.
After a few days, carefully scoop out the castings while avoiding any worms that may still be present. Use a small garden trowel or your hands to gently separate the castings from any remaining organic matter. To ensure a thorough separation, you can sift the castings through a fine mesh screen or colander. This will remove any larger particles and make the castings easier to handle. Once the castings are separated, they can be used immediately or stored for future use. They are an excellent addition to potting mixes, garden soil, or as a top dressing for potted plants. The nutrient content in vermicompost is beneficial for plant growth, improves soil structure, and increases water retention.
Remember to cover the castings bin with a layer of fresh bedding material, such as shredded newspaper or coconut coir, to keep the composting process going. This will ensure that the worms have a comfortable and nutritious environment to thrive in.
By regularly separating and harvesting the castings, you can utilize the benefits of vermicomposting and reduce waste while improving the health of your plants and gardens.