Here at Manzanita Acres we grow our redworms (Eisenia Fetida) in long rows.  The mounds grow higher as they feed on the cow manure trucked in from local dairies. You can almost see their smiles when the semi pulls in bringing a huge trailer full of dinner!

To lessen the effects of the summer heat, misters are stretched the entire length of each row.  Misting not only keeps their beds cool, it also keeps the manure moist allowing for better digestion by the worms. The digested manure creates one of the finest worm castings available.  This (worm castings), is natures way of creating the perfect fertilizer.  Mix this rich, dark compost with the soil in your garden to grow beautiful vegetables and flowers the way nature intended.  You will have enough healthy, nutritious vegetables to share with your neighbors and friends, and enough brilliant, colorful flowers to brighten all of the rooms in your home.  Who would have thought that all of this beauty could come from worms?

Raising worms for your own use in a small garden, or as a school project for kids is a fun, rewarding way to use nature in its purest, most original form.  To begin at home use either a plastic tub with drain holes for the smaller project or a 4’ by 8’ wood framed earth bottom bed for the more aggressive naturalist.   Wood framed worm beds should be 2’ deep and placed in a shaded area. 

Luckily, worms are not fussy about where they live and even less fussy about what they eat.  Rotting vegetables, moldy leaves, and most table scraps are all great for worm food.  If you really want them to sit up and beg, cow manure will do the trick.    Do not feed your worms meat or fish, any dairy products, or pet waste.

Your worm beds should be moist and cool.  Always remember that worms aren’t good swimmers so don't leave them in standing water they will pack their bags and leave.

Whether for a small garden or a huge landfill, worms are the most effective, natural way to turn waste into wonder.