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Posted in Centipedes and Millipedes Composting Worms Earthworms

White and Brown Worm-like Organisms with Antennae in Compost Bin are Millipedes

“In addition to, thankfully, lots of earthworms, I often find small worm-like creatures in my (UK) home-made compost (see picture, which I will hopefully be able to attach)”, writes John in his submission regarding the tiny, cream-white and brown, worm-like creatures pictured below. “These are about three quarters to one inch long. What are they, and will they harm plants? Many thanks if you’re able to reply.” Upon zooming in on these critters, we can see that their bodies are segmented and that tiny antennae sprout from their heads. This fact, coupled with the shape of their bodies and the location in which they were found tells us that John has found millipedes.

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Posted in Composting Worms Earthworms Segmented Worms Annelida

Dead Earthworms in a Compost Pile: Is It Useful and What Does it Mean?

“Is there any use for dead earthworms? Can they be used in a compost pile?” asks this man in his submission to us. No further context is given, and no pictures are attached, but we will do our best to unpack and answer this question.

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Posted in Composting Worms Garden Worms Grub Worms

Waxy, White Larva Found in the Bottom of a Vermicompost Bin is a Wireworm

“What is this?” asks this reader about the white, segmented creature she found in the very bottom of her Vermicompost bin. She thinks it may be some kind of beetle larva, but nonetheless wants our help identifying it.

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Posted in Composting Worms Garden Worms Worms Facts

A Crash Course on Worm Composting

Worm composting is a phenomenon that only grows in popularity among gardeners over time, and it has been a while since we provided a comprehensive guide to this useful tool. This article will provide an updated, crash course guide to worm composting.

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Posted in Composting Worms Garden Worms Grub Worms

White Larvae in Virginia Garden Composting Worms or Pests?

Worms of approximately 1/2-inch long were found in a large mass in the moist mulch of this reader’s garden in Earlyville, Virginia. The worms in question are a clear white color, with dark markings along their bodies, and a bulbous brown mass on either end of their bodies.

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Posted in Composting Worms Garden Worms Worm Castings

All About Worm Tea – How’s It Made? What’s It Used For?

Worm tea sounds like a disgusting beverage, not exactly the sort of drink you want to curl up with on a cold night (or any night for that matter.) Fortunately, it’s not a drink that people enjoy…it’s used primarily as a fertilizer!

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Posted in Composting Worms Garden Worms Worm Castings

Brewing and Using Compost Tea

Do you have a garden? Are you always looking for ways to keep your plants healthy and free from pests? Look no further….today we will explore compost tea!

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Posted in Composting Worms Red Worms Worm Castings

Make Your Own Worm Composter

Mix the organic materials together and add the worms. It takes roughly 3-5 months for the worms to eat through the materials. At this time, you will notice very little materials and a hefty amount of compost. Once this happens, it’s time to harvest.

earthworm in dirt
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Posted in Composting Worms Red Worms Worm Castings

Does Vermiculture Help Farmers?

Vermiculture has a number of benefits to farmers from better taste in products produced to a 20-40 percent increase in production.

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Posted in Composting Worms Red Worms Worm Castings

How to Make a School Worm Farm

One of the first things you should do to start your school worm farm is purchase red worms. Red worms can be purchased from a number of online retailers or at most plant and/or pet stores. Next, wash out the container or bin that you are using.