They are sociable, are not fussy eaters, do not play loud music at night and only speak when they are spoken to !
They came home with us after we visited the Malvern Spring Gardening Show earlier this year. Himself having not only talked me into buying a new greenhouse but also into purchasing a Can -O- Worms from Wiggly Wrigglers who were exhibiting at the show. We shared our campervan with a thousands worms for a night or two - well I am exaggerating somewhat - they were in a sealed bag in a storage box, fixed to the back of the van. There was definitely no danger of any of them worming their way into our bed.
I must admit that I had hankered after a wormery for several years and just like the greenhouse they were on sale at a special show price. They are a source of constant amusement - I disappear into the shed at least once a day to check on their well being and to talk to them. However I do not think I will have any usable compost until the spring and I do not think that there will be vast amounts in the future to bulk up my allotment beds. My thoughts were confirmed by a recent visit to the library where I read a report on wormeries in "Which ? Gardening". Although Can- O -Worms emerged as the best buy the report advised that this product will not meet all the average gardener's compost needs. I am not complaining though as I think that I am getting my moneys worth in enjoyment, as well as having another place to dispose of kitchen waste. The question of the moment is whether they will be warm and cosy enough in the shed overwinter or should I bring them inside? Himself is not enthusiastic about the latter option.
Their very first meal ~
Whilst on the subject of beneficial gardening creatures did you know that this is Bee Aware Week? I found out about this accidentally when I was on one of those magical mystery trips that the internet sometimes takes you on. Bee Aware Week is part of an ongoing campaign by the Women's Institute to raise awareness of the decline of honey bees. They are asking all WI members to spend a whole day eating only foods that have been pollinated by honeybees. You'll find an action pack about the issues and recipes and ideas for what to eat on that day here. After discovering some tasty sounding recipes, I will certainly be planning a bee friendly menu at some stage this week. There may be honey cake for afternoon tea but I am not telling the family just yet!
Their very first meal ~
Whilst on the subject of beneficial gardening creatures did you know that this is Bee Aware Week? I found out about this accidentally when I was on one of those magical mystery trips that the internet sometimes takes you on. Bee Aware Week is part of an ongoing campaign by the Women's Institute to raise awareness of the decline of honey bees. They are asking all WI members to spend a whole day eating only foods that have been pollinated by honeybees. You'll find an action pack about the issues and recipes and ideas for what to eat on that day here. After discovering some tasty sounding recipes, I will certainly be planning a bee friendly menu at some stage this week. There may be honey cake for afternoon tea but I am not telling the family just yet!
Hello Anna, what a great post, I got both some knowledge and a laugh.
ReplyDeleteLOLove Tyra
Well if you can talk to them they must be very therapeutic - the compost is just a bonus.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, how interesting. If your worms are the large red ones, I think they have to be fairly warm. Looks like your will have roommates after all. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Hooray for bee awareness too!
Oh Anna, please keep visiting my blog. LOL
ReplyDeleteAt one time I had a can-o-worms. Like you said, it didn't produce enough worm castings to do the job but it was fun until i mistakenly closed the lower valve and my poor babies drowned. Talk about a rancid smell! Fortunately I've got red wiggler worms in my compost so now I'm using strictly this method.
I left my can-o-worms outside in a protected area. I'm in Zone 8 and temperatures usually get down to mid 20s at times but my worms did fine. Depending on how cold your winters are, your family might be okay.
A lot of information and very interesting!Thank you Anna!
ReplyDeleteI suspect these isn't vermicompsting? Am intrigues about a wormery.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post but I can't get excited about a wormery.
ReplyDeleteWe hava always composted our garden rubbish and then the next year it is turned and used to grow courgettes on and the following year spread around the garden. By which time there are so many worms in it.
Although it takes time it is less work than constantly turning a heap and with such a volume of compost and rubbish I can't see how a wormery would fit in.