Posts Tagged ‘worms’

Kid’s in the Garden  -  JUNE 5, 2010

Join us for the Imagine Children’s Museum’s Kids in the Garden Program.  On June 5, 2010, we will be teaching kids about the benefits of worms in the garden.  We will teach the kids how to make a mini worm bin which they can take home along with a couple of new worm friends. Come join us at the Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, WA between 11 and 1 pm.

For more information visit:  Imagine Children’s Museum

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Sorticulture, Everett’s Garden Arts Festival  - JUNE 11, 12, 13 , 2010

Come join us for a weekend of fun at Everett’s Sorticulture event June 11, 12 and 13th.

If you want to learn more about composting with worms bring your questions and visit our booth.  We will have worms and worm bins on hand for pickup.  We will also have our own kids area where your kids can learn about composting with worms and bring home their own mini worm farm.

More about the event:

Sorticulture unites art and the garden in a celebration of creative outdoor living. Our featured artists create distinctive hand-crafted garden art and our nurseries produce a wide variety of plants to transform your backyard. Learn tips and tricks from top regional gardening experts including Ciscoe Morris. Sorticulture also features display gardens and activities for the kids.

June 11, 12 and 13, 2010
Legion Memorial Park
145 Alverson Blvd. at West Marine View Dr.
Everett, Washington 98201

Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.everettwa.org for more information.

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We get asked this question over and over. What is the difference between worms found in the yard and garden and worms used for composting?

Believe it or not, all worms are not created equal. There are three main types of worms, each one has different characteristics that make them unique. These unique traits are why some worms take to bins better than others. You can’t just go out in your yard, dig up some worms, and expect them to go to work for you in your new worm bin. Chances are you may not end up with great composting worms, and you may even find that the worms are escaping from the bin and do not appreciate being spoiled like our little friends the red wigglers. With an understanding of the different types of worms, you will gain a better perspective into the art of vermiculture.

Each one of the 4400 + named species of worms on earth can be broken down into these three main categories:

Anecic (Greek for “out of the earth”) – these are burrowing worms that come to the surface at night to drag food down into their permanent burrows deep within the mineral layers of the soil. The common nightcrawler (also known as Canadian Nightcrawler, Dew Worm & Common Earthworm) is in this category. These worms build vertical permanent burrows that extend over six feet below the earth’s surface. Believe it or not, but these worms can actually recognize their own burrows and return to it day after day. These worms feed on decaying litter and therefore must visit the surface on a regular basis. They are solitary worms and do not like living in high worm populations.

Endogeic (Greek for “within the earth”) – these are also burrowing worms but their burrows are typically more shallow and they feed on the organic matter already in the soil. These worms are the only type of worm that will actually eat soil as well as decaying organic material. These worms rarely come to the earth’s surface and spend most of their time underground in their lateral burrow systems.

Epigeic (Greek for “upon the earth”) – these worms live in the surface litter and feed on decaying organic matter. They do not have permanent burrows. These “decomposers” are the type of worm used in vermicomposting. These are our special little garbage men that work for food. They thrive in large groups and are surface feeders, not burrowers. Red Wigglers & European Nightcrawlers are both categorized in this group of composting worms. Becuase they do not build burrows, they do well in worm bins and appreciate the constant food source and moist environments that we provide for them.

I hope this helps you to gain a little understanding of the workings of earthworms and why purchasing the right kind of worm for your bin is important to your success.

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NEW BOOKS

We have recently added some new products for teaching kids about composting and vermiculture.   We have added some children’s books by Larraine Roulston.   As a newspaper columnist, Larraine Roulston has been writing on environmental issues since 1987. She also writes articles in tabloids and magazines.        The 4 book package  includes a song, glossary and resources, all designed to help teachers discuss the process of composting in an interesting way. Together they make a good environmental asset to any library.





NEW WORM  BINS

The Worm Inn is a breathable compost bin that fits perfectly into any classroom.  Help kids learn how to compost with hands on experience.   These lightweight bins can process over 44 pounds of waste a month with only 1-2 pounds of worms.  This bin is easy to manage for kids of all ages.

SCHOOL WIDE RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING

If your school or group is looking into processing large amounts of food, the Worm Wigwam is a great option. This unit can house up to 50 pounds of worms and process up to 7 tons per year (Approx. 75 pounds of finished vermicompost per week)  Schools can recycle their cafeteria waste and teach kids the value of composting.

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Save $20 on Alabama Jumpers during the Month of February!  Alabama Jumpers are great worms that can help aerate even the thickest clay soil.  Just drop them in your garden, provide them with some damp organic material, and they will be very happy to go to work for you in your yard.

This is a great price for these highly desirable after worms.  Don’t miss your opportunity to get started with these blowout prices.

Red Wigglers are great composters but do not do well in soil.  These are huge nightcrawlers that will JUMP out of your hand.

Worms only eat DEAD material, leaves, damp newspaper, etc. THEY DO NO HARM TO ANY LIVING PLANTS.

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Question: Can I put red wigglers out in my garden?

Answer: This is a yes/no question. Red Wigglers are strictly a composting worm. They live off of decaying matter on the grounds surface. Unlike the worms you may find out in your yard or garden, they do not burrow down into the soil. If you garden is rich with organic material ie leaves, grass clippings, food scrapes, ect… they will be happy to feed and deposit castings in that area. Some people will pocket feed or trench feed their worms in the garden to keep them happy by burying food scraps. Without this type of food source available, the Red Wigglers will either move on or die off.

For a great garden worm try our Alabama Jumpers.  They do well in clay and sandy soils.  Because they have tougher skin than the red wigglers, they can burrow down and in doing so they help loosen up the soil.  (Depositing castings along the way)

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