Advanced Topics

Here it is already - our tenth class! If you've been reading the last several weeks' emails, then you've picked up a good, basic understanding of vermicomposting. This time we'll discuss the small-scale worm business, and the joys of teaching worm composting in the classroom - two very interesting new directions that you may wish to go with your involvement with worms.

The Worm Business

Many people envision worms as a potential home business, most often as a side-line business. These worm entrepreneurs find that working at home with their hands and with redworms is enjoyable and fulfilling. In some climates (or where a greenhouse is used) this work can happen outdoors, which creates a good balance to an indoor day job.

The small worm-related business can take different forms. It may focus on growing and selling worms and/or vermicompost and castings. It may construct or sell worm bins, sell books and other educational materials. More experienced worm business may offer several levels of hands-on training to these new and potential businesses.

Frequently, a worm business grows out of hobby vermicomposting. This is perhaps the best way to come into the job. The successful hobby vermicomposter already knows how to keep the worms happy and how to avoid problems. This experience will serve him/her well in the business. Let's just sum up these thoughts.

The Short Story

• Do get into the worm business if you think you'll find the work enjoyable and want to earn some additional money.
• Don't get into the business if you think "Worm growing and selling is an easy way to make money". (Growers tell us that they do make money, but that they also work very hard for a fairly small income.)

Take this sage advice on getting started

Keep worms first as a hobby, or on a very small scale, before jumping into the business and investing more than a few hundred bucks! Truly, the experience you gain operating one or more small, home worm bins will serve you well in the worm business.

However you approach the worms/castings business, be sure you aren't entering into this blind.

Teaching worms in classrooms

What else could be as satisfying as sharing your passion for worms and worm composting with young people? Honestly, you'll receive as much great energy back as you give to the students. They are so eager to get hands-on with worms and worm bins (except for a few middle schoolers), they're ready to learn about worms' lives, and they love the environmental message.

Really, if you are at all unsure about visiting classrooms with your worms, then let me lend you some confidence! You are, after only a few months with a worm bin, a highly-qualified educator - an EXPERT on worms! So call the teachers you know and offer to come on in and get them started with their first worm bin. Teachers are so appreciative to have you come in and get them started worm composting.

^ top

What is Vermicomposting | Worm Bin Location
Building your Worm Bin | Set up | Feeding
Basic Worm Bin Care | Troubleshooting
Harvesting Worms and Castings | Food and Organic Compost Tea
Advanced Topics | Earthworm Biology and Production