Red Wiggler Update # 3

It occurred to me the other day that I hadn't checked on the red wigglers in an while, but seeing as they are very low maintenance and I wasn't smelling them I figured we were good. I was correct! I decided to pop open the cover and take a peek and this is what I saw! Black GOLD! This is a job very well done! I didn't have time to remove the castings, so I added more bedding and a bite to eat and gave them a stir and shut the cover. I've been at this for just over a year and I'll tell you it a slow process, but it's worth it and not something that requires any stress or much time. Peel a couple carrots for a salad? Do not put them in the trash, put them in the worm bin, or the pigs bucket, or give them to the chickens, or a treat for the horse or goats, or put them on the compost pile, but for crying out loud, DO NOT throw them away! Unless of course you have none of the above and if that is the case, get one or more! At a later date, when things are slower, I'll harvest the castings and post pics if you're interested, I'm thinking it'll be about the time I do some seed starting!

Red Wiggler Update # 2

A local greenhouse is offering a vermicomposting seminar this weekend and I'd love to go, but lately I've been busier than a one armed paper hanger and my schedule will not allow it. I'm pretty sure that what I'm doing is working though. I checked on them yesterday and gave them some more food, (potato peelings) and this is what I saw. I'm pretty impressed with what they've accomplished thus far, in fact I find it quite delightful! After seeing this I knew I needed to add more bedding, we we ripped up some more newspaper and tossed it in, wet it down and covered it back up. This is the easiest thing ever! In case you're new to the blog and wonder what I'm doing with a worm bin in my house I blogged about it here and here in case you've got an overwhelming desire to read about it! lol!

Red Wiggler Update

I wanted to update you on the Red Wiggler process. We started this process at the end of November and as you can see they've already got a fair start on the "black gold" as it's called. I do believe there are a few more from when we started. This has to be the easiest thing we've done on the farm!

Our latest venture

Our local library hosted vermicomposting class this past Saturday, it was free, right up our alley and something I've tried doing in the past with partial success, so the kids and I went! Vermicomposting; also know as worm composting and/or worm farming is not for the faint of heart. (Warning: if you are squeamish you might want to skip reading this post.) The class lasted about an hour and we brought home lots of info and new cast members for From the Country Farm; red wigglers! (Side note, there are simply too many to name... I'm joking!) Below are the kids and the instructor talking about what to do, how it all works etc.

Our newest cast members in their new home, trying to settle in...

For those of you who are still reading, (I'm impressed!) the whole point of vermicomposting is for the black gold they produce; worm poo is great natural fertilizer! It's (supposed to be) about the easiest thing you can do, so I've armed myself with some new info and trying again, hopefully this time will be a success. I'll try to remember to keep you updated or at least post about it after a bit. Like I said it's not for everyone and truth be told I'm a bit grossed out by it but will push through it for the black gold...