Earthworms, Start Your Engines!

Make a worm bin one of your New Years Resolutions.  There’s no easier way to improve the health of your soil.  A few tips:

• Buy a worm bin from a garden center or make your own using rubber storage tubs with small holes in the bottom for drainage.
• Red wigglers are the best worms for the job.  Buy them at a bait stand or from a commercial worm farm.  Other earthworms in your soil won’t live well in captivity.
• Use a bedding of worm castings (if the worms come in their own castings) or shredded coconut fiber, and always keep a layer of shredded newspaper on top.
• Feed worms a vegan diet of fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, bread, and grains.  No dairy, meat, or oils, please.
• Finished worm castings look black and crumbly.  It will take several months to get enough to use in the garden.  Separate worms from castings and mix castings with water to create a fresh compost tea, or add a small shovelful of castings at the bottom of each planting hole when you plant in the spring. 
• Remember that the benefit of worm castings comes from their healthy microbial population, so use them while they’re fresh and know that a little goes a long way!