10. the end

Tail, 2010

and they lived happily ever after

As I'm sure you have ascertained by now, I am not a professional worm farmer, an environmental activist, nor have I earned my PhD in Soil Science. I'm just a regular gal, perhaps a bit more opinionated than most, who stumbled onto this whole worm gig by accident. With that in mind, please take what is in this book as less of a well-researched scientific study and more of a story I share with you based on my opinions and personal experiences relating to worm composting. What is outlined in these pages is a stress-free, wait, let's be safe and say low-stress, and fun way to get your own worm composting system started.

The system I've shared with you in this book worked out really well for me. As you become comfortable with your worms and your system you might decide to make a few adjustments to suit your own personal style. Go right ahead. I won't mind.

If you are interested in a more detailed and scientific look at vermiculture (worm culture), I recommend Mary Appelhoff's Worms Eat My Garbage and Charles Darwin's The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms.

Ms. Appelhoff was an expert in her field and her book, the only dedicated vermiculture book I could locate at the time, inspired me and helped me pull my own worm composting system together.

I later learned that Darwin was the original worm guy. If you are feeling really excited about this whole worm thing and are craving additional data, you can also take a look at his book and see what he had to say about worms back in 1907. He examines the lives of worms in great detail. He explores their tastes and finds that they prefer green leaves to red, on most occasions. He finds that most worms are timid, enjoy the pleasure of food, and that their sexual passion exceeds their dread of light. It's an amazing book.

I hope learning how I muddled through and discovered that pet worms really can transform kitchen rubbish into beautiful compost has emboldened you to go right out and start some of your own muddling.

Welcome to the world of worms.

Enjoy.