Stay connected to the earth by keeping a worm farm and relax


When the boys were small, they wanted a worm farm. I was apprehensive, anticipating that I would be the one who had to look after it. Well, I did end up being the mother of thousands but I didn't mind.

The most surprising benefit, though, was the enormous satisfaction that I gained from this simple project.

Every evening, when I stepped outside and tipped the leftover kitchen scraps under the worm farm lid, I knew that these useful, industrious creatures were quietly working away while I slept, making rich, thick soil for my plants.

Keeping worms makes you think about the earth, and how it nourishes you, and how it responds so enthusiastically to even the smallest amount of care and appreciation.

You feel a connection with the many generations of humans who have worked with the earth, and you begin to understand why our ancestors saw it as a mother goddess, and worshipped it.

Worm Farm

Half-fill the container with the bedding material and moisten slightly. Add a thin layer of soil, then a layer of compost, then spread a bit more soil on top.

Tuck a bit of food for the worms just beneath the surface, scratching the soil over it to cover lightly. Put the worms on top of the soil over the buried food - they will soon wriggle downwards to escape the light.

Cover the box loosely with the hessian or shadecloth to provide some shelter and reduce moisture loss.

Sprinkle the soil with water every couple of days. Don't make it too wet as this will foul the soil and kill the worms.

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This article was sent to us by: Brenda Sawyer at 06092010

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