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Organic GardeningWhat is Small, Red and wiggly and the Gardeners best friend?How would you rate Eisenia Foetida? (better known as the Brandling worm). It is easily obtained as fishing bait from any anglers shop. These worms occur naturally in any heap of decaying organic matter but the advantages of their good work can be increased enormously. "If you care for them as pets, they will reward you with liquid fertiliser and some fine crumbly compost." (Gardening Which August, 1994 ‑ Consumers Association) This excellent report read by many members has generated considerable interest. Roy Lacey began `worm farming' about ten years ago in a plastic dustbin and says in his Saturday gardening feature ... " It is always encouraging to have your private hunches endorsed by public approval"... (East Anglian Daily Times 23.7.94). "Each worm can consume its own body weight of organic matter everyday and convert it to fine textured worm cast compost ... (they) are happiest at 13 ‑ 23°C (55 ‑ 75°F) and are killed when frozen"... or too hot (Above 30°C, 86°F). `Gardening Which' goes on to remind us of the ideal requirements for bedding; moisture; air supply; avoiding acid conditions; siting and providing a varied diet. Molley Downey from Four Seasons Organics emphasises the need for education about worm composting. She and her husband Chris specialise in worm farming and supply all you need to get started. They have found customers do need help in the early stages and run a telephone HELP LINE (01766) 522050 for ironing out any teething problems. Once balance is achieved you will be well rewarded with the dark, nutrient rich compost produced. As Roy explains, worms can cope with organic waste that would attract vermin to the normal compost heap so its certainly worth a little trouble to get conditions right. Worm composting (Vermiculture) is fast becoming popular for even the smallest households. Blackwall Products (081 ‑ 305 1431) have joined forces with BBC Gardeners World Magazine and the Henry Doubleday Research Association to test the effectiveness of making compost at home. Wiggly Wigglers (0981 500391) are also worm farmers who provide complete systems from large wooden Waste Managers to Wigglers Farm ‑ a kit with instructions for children that should give a good opportunity for success. They can also supply a transparent ‑ sided worm farm where a worm colony can be watched recycling waste. Original Organics (01884 277681) supply the Original Wormery (plus junior version); a kit for the DIY enthusiast including tap and instructions; and an insulation jacket if you need to keep your worms outside for winter. Most agree worm compost is the tops! The only disagreement is the best number of worms to get your system started.
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