Worms at Work

Chapter - A Good Garden begins with Healthy SoilChapter - The Essentiality of Worms -discusses (and illustrates through charts and graphics) the importance of worms in the soil, the roles they play in ecosystems, their role in the food web, their crucial functions in food production, and just the overall awe and wonder of worms throughout history as well as their vital role in the future.Chapter - The Anatomy of a Worm-discusses (and illustrates through charts and graphics) the anatomy of a worm- how organic matter actually moves through their bodies, including a 2 page centerfold spread of an illustration of organic matter passing through the worm. This chapter also introduces the reader to different types of worms as well as specific information on red wriggler worms and their direct connection with vermicomposting.Chapter - Verimi-what? Vermiculture Defined-discusses in detail (and illustrates through charts and graphics) Vermiculture and vermicomposting. Vermiculture, or worm farming, is the use of worms to break down organic material; it is a simple way of turning table scraps into compost while hosting an environment for worm reproduction. Vermicompost is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and contains both macronutrients and micronutrients to benefit plant health and stimulate plant growth. Vermicompost contains worm castings, partially decomposed organic materials and organic waste with recognizable fragments of plants, food and detritus materials. When you apply vermicompost, rich minerals are added back into the soil. Vermi-compost is similar to compost but it uses worms such as red wigglers and earthworms to help break down organic material.Chapter - Getting Started-discusses (and illustrates through charts and graphics) the benefits of having a worm bin in the kitchen or the classroom. This in detail creating a basic vermicompost bin (used in the home kitchen) and a window worm bin (used in classroom/educational settings) with detailed instructions on building your own using reclaimed materials. The directions also include maintenance, how to maintain the temperature, moisture levels and how frequent to add new organic material. This chapter would discuss family/classroom/homeschool applications including basic experiments, observations, activities as well as worksheets and lessons for incorporating into science curriculum. Chapter - Basic Vermicompost Designs for your Back Yard-discusses (and illustrates through charts and graphics) 3 basic designs for building a vermicomposting bin in your own backyard and includes very detailed instructions on building them using reclaimed/repurposed materials. Chapter - Caring for Your Vermicompost Bin-discusses how to maintain the vermicompost bin in terms of feeding schedule, temperature regulation, moisture regulation, proper drainage, aeration, the dos and don'ts of vermicomposting, items that should and should not go in the vermicompost bin, as well as information and instruction on insulating the worms during the winter months. Chapter - Harvesting Worm Castings & Worm Liquid-discusses no-fuss methods for harvesting worm castings including detailed instructions on how to harvest, sift and store the worm castings and the liquid that drains from the bin.Chapter - Garden Applications-discusses how worm castings help to boost soil immunity, increase soil fertility, increase plant health and disease resistance, strengthen roots and lead to greater yields and overall plant health. This chapter also gives detailed instructions on how to maximize the worm casting harvest by using sparingly to sprinkle over young seedlings, side dress transplants, make worm tea, etc.... Chapter - Sharing Your Worms-discusses the importance of dividing the worm population regularly, how to transport worms, and the best ways to support worm health over time. Chapter - Sharing your Knowledge-discusses the importance of information sharing and being a catalyst in your own community. The more this knowledge is spread, the less we begin to rely on synthetic and dangerous chemical fertilizers. It takes a village! This chapter gives examples of how to spread this knowledge including basic workshops, article writing, speaking to the local master gardeners and master naturalists, giving presentations in schools, hosting a Vermiculture 101 meetup, etc....