The Worm Farmer's Handbook

December 1, 2018

Sherman (director, compost lab, North Carolina State Univ.) explains the business of vermicomposting, a process that uses earthworms to convert waste into a valuable soil amendment. It's more complicated than backyard composting--not just the scale of operations involved, but there's also "livestock" to nurture--and the author is a seriously conscientious guide. Topics include how worm castings aid soil health and plant growth, the basics of earthworm husbandry, how to plan a business and market the product, a survey of vermicomposting systems, feeds and feeding methods, and ways to monitor the system and harvest the castings. The last chapter is especially apposite, as Sherman reports on vermicomposting outfits around the world in a variety of settings (schools, farms, military bases, restaurants, etc.) and delves a little deeper into operational details and finances. Throughout, full-color illustrations and inset boxes offer additional tips; a resource list and an extensive bibliography round out the volume. VERDICT Sherman offers an important addition to the literature on vermiculture and vermicomposting with an eyes-wide-open approach to planning, starting, and managing a viable commercial-scale operation that steers clear of hype while weighing both the risks and rewards of the venture.--Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2018
Vermiculture, the process of using worms to turn organic food waste into compost, has been around for decades but has been growing in popularity. Vermicompost or vermicast, the product of vermiculture, makes a rich, organic soil amendment or growth medium which has been shown to increase yields, reduce the damage caused by some diseases and pests, and help repair degraded soil. This book covers everything one would want to know about vermiculture, from how it works to designing a harvesting system and laying out postharvest practices. Sherman also profiles a range of worm-farming examples from throughout the U.S. and around the world, including details such as the size of the operation and its setting, the cost of setup, the amount of food waste processed, and the span of time the process takes. While written for use in a mid- or large-scale setting, much of the information here about earthworm biology and living conditions will also be beneficial for smaller-scale use by home gardeners.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)