For decades, the vermiculture (vermes is Latin for worms) industry has been blessed and cursed by the logical and seemingly simplistic nature of the business. The ecological appeal of the industry has captured the attention and imagination of hobbyist, entrepreneurs and even municipalities.
The science and technology behind vermiculture is sound and tends to show potential for continued growth. However, the industry has numerous challenges and needs to carefully address the issue of balancing growth with demand.
Currently producers involved in vermiculture are targeting one or more of the following markets: worms for bait and pet food, worms for composting and waste processing or worm casting for soil enhancement.
Below you'll find a number of valuable links to resources:
Links:
- Constructing your own farm:
- SOUTHERN ORGANIC LIVING has instructions on how to build a simple worm farm and feeding basics.
- SustainabilityVictoria and the ABC have slightly different instructions.
- EPA NSW has good cross-section pictures of a worm farm.
- A great blog with some excellent photos.
- Feeding worms:
- A printable page that is a good reference once you already have a farm.
- Wikipedia vermicompost page if you like to know the science behind worm farming.
There seems to be a few places (like nurseries, eco centres and council/city offices) where you can view a worm farm if you are not sure about starting one. Just google your local city area to check. Of course, you can also come see the one at our place if you know us!
