Worms are like any other domesticated farm animal. They can be raised for sale and slaughter or kept for continuous output. Cattle, pigs and sheep can produce meat and hides. Sheep also produce wool and cows give milk over many seasons. The excretions of all can be further used in agriculture as manure or, with other ingredients, as soil conditioners (www.abc.net.au/gardening). It is the same with worms.
Those who are lucky enough to live on a large property in a suitable climate can probably find a small area already populated with worms. A simple fence will keep people out of the “farm”. Suitable food will keep the worms at home. The very basic output in such a set up is bait for fishermen. The worms are simply dug up, packaged and sold. This operation can be as simple or as sophisticated as is desired by the farmer.
City dwellers also like to fish and they also like to keep gardens. Worms will satisfy both pursuits but many anglers and gardeners may not want to seek out a worm supplier in the bush. The adaptability of worms makes this unnecessary. A flower bed sized plot will “house” a lot of worms. As in the country operation it is simply a case of harvesting and packaging.
Worms are not very demanding when it comes to a “des res”. A plastic, cardboard or wooden box will do. With this kind of accommodation more varied production is possible. The immediate benefit of “intensive” worm farming is that the environment can be controlled. Year round production is then possible. Coconut fiber, peat moss and some compost material make an ideal bedding layer in which the worms can live. This layer of material should be kept moist and at a constant temperature, about that of a warm summer day.
Feeding material is placed on top of the bedding. Worms will eat almost anything. Most human table waste, including tea bags, coffee grounds and egg shells plus soaked paper products, hair, cotton rags, leaves and other “dirt” are all acceptable at the worms’ table. Dairy products, meat and garden waste that has been chemically treated should be avoided.
The worms will happily eat the offerings and in doing so will grow and cast their skins. These castings will collect at the bottom of the bedding layer. This becomes a continuous supply of excellent natural fertilizer that can be added directly to garden beds. Adding water to the castings produces a liquid fertilizer for plants that prefer to be fed at root level.
Sales possibilities do not end with bait and fertilizer. Starter kits of worm farms can be sold to others keen to go into production for themselves. Packaging, labeling and branding can be made to look very professional.
There is no heavy work involved in worm farming. It is an ideal occupation for retirees and children. The only “hands on” work required is an occasional stirring of the bedding layer. This is best done with the bare hands. It can be a very comforting and satisfying feeling. Practice by running the hands though some cold well oiled spaghetti.
Worms are clean and the farms do not smell. This is a great hobby for old and young. It is fun with a small reward if done well.
References:
Fact Sheet: Manure Nutrients : http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s2195338.htm