Erdwurm SA

Earthworms thrive in cool, dark moist environments with ample drainage and ventilation. Place the worm farm in partial shade, if possible.

To prevent ants invading the worm farm, place the worm farm in a shallow basin of water, on top of a brick or similar object, to prevent the ants reaching it.

The worm farm consists of 2 elements:

Bottom layer where vermitea can be dispensed via the tap;

Bucket where worms live, eating and manufacturing castings and vermitea;

As soon as the inner bucket is almost full, take it out and take out the top half of the contents, containing the earthworms. The bottom half of the contents will be the castings (vermicompost). Empty it as well and use it in the garden.  Place the worms  back into the bucket and carry on.

Feed the worms regularly (about once a week) with raw fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, torn tea bags, crushed egg shells, cow manure and  pieces of ordinary brown cardboard boxes. It is essential to have some pieces of the brown cardboard in the worm farm, as the worms like to breed between the layers. Sprinkle water as required to make sure that their home is moist, but not wet.

Do not feed them citrus, onions, tomatoes, pineapples, weeds, leaves, twigs, pet manure or cooked food, except for a small quantity of cooked starchy foods (optional).

Empty the vermitea via the tap at the bottom. Vermitea can be diluted 1:30 for use in the garden. It is very beneficial for plants and is the backbone of organic gardening and permaculture, because of the soil improvement qualities.

Enjoy your new Kariba earthworm colony. Look after them and they will multiply, doubling every 3 months. At the same time they will give you an unending supply of vermitea and castings (vermicompost).