Compost & Earthworms – Worm Facts
Worms how do they work?
The Worm
- Worms have no fewer than 5 hearts!
- Earthworms are hermaphrodites, their bodies contain both male and female reproductive organs.
- Earthworms don’t have lungs, but instead breathe through their skin as long as it stays moist.
- The slimy surface of the worm, actually allows the little creature to breathe. The worm’s skin is porous, and blood vessels close to the skin absorb oxygen from the air or from oxygenated water while releasing carbon dioxide. But these gases can interchange only if the skin is moist. If a worm dries out, it will slowly choke to death. On the other hand, if a worm is trapped in its burrow during heavy rain, the oxygen supply in the water will be quickly exhausted. This is one reason why worms crawl to the surface after a downpour. If they don’t evacuate, they will suffocate.
- There are thousands of different kinds of earthworms worldwide (some encyclopias state 1900, 2200, 3000, 6000 or more. I guess just toooooooooo many to count accurately!
- Baby worms hatch from cocoons smaller than a grain of rice.
- Worms can eat their weight each day.
- In favourable conditions, worms breed every seven to ten days and can double their population in 90 days.
- Worms don’t have eyes , but are sensitive to light.
- The Earthworms body is bristling with sense organs-as many as 1,900 on just one segment. These receptors give the worm a sense of touch, the capacity to taste, and the ability to detect light.
There are many more amazing worm facts, go to our FAQ page and check it out.
Worm Farming Tips – What goes in?
70% of all household waste is edible by worms. Here are a few examples:
– Vegetable & Fruit scraps
– Animal Manure
– Lawn clippings
– Paper & cardboard
– Vacuum dust
– Food scraps
– Wood ash
– Sawdust
– Leaves
– Teabags
Worm Farming tips – What comes out?
PERFECT FERTILISER
Earth worms turn organic matter into rich plant food called castings. Castings are one of nature’s finest organic plant foods.
Tests by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture show that soil worked by earthworms is up to 10 times richer in available plant nutrients than soil without worms.
NUTRIENT % INCREASE
Nitrate of Nitrogen 500
Available Phosphorus 700
Exchangeable Potassium 1200
Exchangeable Calcium 150
Organic Carbon 200
Worms will provide you with your own free supply of fertiliser and can be incorporated with other materials to produce your own rich potting mixes.
One of the best ways to apply the benefits of worms is with WORM JUICE.
WHAT IS WORM JUICE?
A COMPLETE PLANT FOOD ON ITS OWN OR AS A SUPPLEMENT TO OTHER FERTILISERS
Worm Juice is a by-product of nature in liquid form, Worm Juice is rich in good nitrogen fixing bacteria, and the key is the 100,000CFU/ml bacteria plus ready available liquid minerals and trace elements for immediate plant uptake.
WHAT MAKES WORM JUICE WORK?
Worm Juice provides a wealth of nutrients and minerals (over 60 different elements providing many of the requirements of your plants). It is the enzyme in the worm’s digestive systems that allows all the nutrients and trace elements to become water soluble, therefore readily available for plant life.
WHAT WORM JUICE IS NOT!!!!
Worm Juice is not a NPK fertiliser. Whilst it contains some Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium it’s major strength lays in it biological activity and complex range of other nutrients and minerals. Plants need more than NPK to grow well and we suggest you maintain your normal fertiliser program initially. However, once you have been applying Worm Juice for a while you will be able to reduce your fertiliser application as the soils natural processes will have re-established and the plants will be sourcing the Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium that was previously locked up in your soil. Remember, the value of Worm Juice is in the millions of beneficial bacteria that starts work in your soil and on your plants as soon as it is applied.
HOW IS WORM JUICE APPLIED?
Worm Juice can be applied at any time & is safe and easy to use. If possible, avoid application during the midday heat. It is applied through a watering can or spray equipment. Also very effective as a seed dress for all types of seeds, Worm Juice promotes germination.
HOW IS WORM JUICE MIXED AND AT WHAT RATES?
PLANT FOOD: Stir 100mls. of Worm Juice into a container holding 1ltrs. of water and apply around base of plant. Repeat in about 6 weeks and again in about 3 months for maximum effect.
SOIL & FOLIAGE ACTIVATOR: Stir 100mls. of Worm Juice into a container holding 5ltrs. of water and apply to plant foliage or around base of plant. Repeat in about 6 weeks and again in about 3 months for maximum effect.
Worm Biology
What are worms?
Worm Reproduction
Got more Questions – Try our FAQ’s Page