Microorganisms living on organic waste nourish the worm rather than the original waste we provide for the worms. Think green mold, white powder and soft, smelly rotten stuff.

As the earthworm eats the organic waste and microbes they promote further microbially activity and produce a richer fragmented product than the original waste they consumed. As the waste is consumed, plant nutrients particularly N, P, K and Ca are released and converted into forms more soluble and readily available to plants. This all happens quite rapidly by passing through the gut of the earthworm in just a few hours. Vermicompost is ready to use when you can no longer recognize its original form. Finished vermicompost should have a dark consistency and smell like clean, sweet and wonderful soil. Remember you only need to add 5-10% vermicompost to your new and existing plants.

**information compiled from Vermiculture Technology edited by Clive Edwards, Norman Arancon

and Rhonda Sherman. c2011  (pages 80-81)

This is a wonderful site introducing Vermicomposting facts, food, bins, light, moisture etc. The end of the article includes numerous References. This was compiled by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Hope you enjoy it.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/10-009.htm

Vermicompost has the potential to protect crops from disease and fight plant infections

caused by pathogens.

Beginning January 3, 2012 thru February 2012 your neighbors and community members will be out with petitions requesting signatures for our June Ballet. You may be wondering what this is about...please checkout:   www.labelgmos.org/

We are asking to have Genetically Modified foods labeled, It is our right to know what we are eating.

The following species 5 species are most notable for their natural ability to process organic waste, including life cycle, reproductive rates, endurance and tolerance of handling.

1) Eisenia andrei

2) Eisenia fetida

3) Dendrobaena veneta

4) Perionyx excavatus

5) Eudrilus eugenia

There is much more detailed information in VERMICULTURE TECHNOLOGY edited by Clive A. Edwards, Norman Q. Arancon & Rhonda Sherman on pages 29-35.

Shop Local and Give the GIFT that keeps on gRoWiNg. We have Vermicompost which is live with microorganisms to add to your garden anytime of year. Live NUDE Worms. Worm Condo, Worm Barrel, Starter Kits for the Worm Farmer 'wanna be'. Aerated Worm Tea can be used on Houseplants and in the Garden. Need a Gift Certificate...we have them.

Contact us prior to a Farmer's Market or Special Event to reserve your worms, worm tea or vermicompost. Are you looking for a Worm Bin or Worm Barrel? We are happy to accommodate your requests. Looking for new ideas*****what else would you like us to offer?

Remember to keep your Worms  WET & COOL in this weather.  Be extra diligent in the plastic bins as they may absorb the outside heat and cook your worms. Keep these bins in a cool place, elevate for better air circulation and open up the lid for more air circulation. The wood bins and barrels are not as prone to cooking the worms in this heat. Keep the soil as wet as a damp sponge (until you squeeze it and 1-2 drops of water are squeezed out).

This reminder is referring to weather above 75 degrees. Worms prefer temperatures of 55-75 degrees, they are most active in this temperature range.

Beautiful Sunny day, perfect for planting anything. Vermicompost is a must to get the plants off to a great start. Besides the minerals and nutrients readily available to the roots of plants and seedlings, our worms have provided top notch vermicompost to help with aeration, drainage and moisture holding capacity to make your plants Strong and Proud. The added bonus is the presence of worm eggs which will turn into future 'blenders of the soil' and all the microbes that help keep everything in balance. Off to the garden, looking forward to the beauty and the harvest.

Let's debunk an old wives tale. Cutting a worm in half does not create 2 worms, instead you now have 1 dead worm. A worm will only survive being cut from it's tale to the 8th segment and then you have a shorter worm with a stunted tail.