Bay hotel puts earthworms to work

Worm farms are now being manufactured in Port Elizabeth.

Manufacturer Trevin van der Walt says they allow every household to contribute towards solving the worldwide problem of waste disposal.

“Much of household waste can be recycled. Organic waste is one aspect that can be recycled for the direct benefit of the home owner.

“A worm farm is a low-maintenance, low-effort, odourless exercise which occupies a small space at your home.

The red worm (Eisenia foetida) is a surface feeder which eats vegetative matter, transforming it into organic feed for plants.”

Worms, he explains, convert about half their own body mass of waste matter into fertile “worm poo” each day.

The worms lay eggs in cocoons. Baby worms emerge in 30 to 75 days depending on conditions.

It takes them 53 to 76 days to reach sexual maturity.

The liquid produced by the worms and from keeping the bedding material moist is called “worm tea”.

It is very nutritious for growing plants and can also be used as a fungicide or insecticide if sprayed on to foliage.

Worm farms and box gardens are on display at Habitat Tea Garden, Main Road, Walmer.

Source: Sowetan

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