An Australian couple earned more money and time after venturing into worm farming. Today, they provide more than a hundred boxes of worms to their community.
Rohan, a carpenter, and Ellie Watson, a teacher, were both not interested in worm farming at first due to the worms' seemingly slimy appearance. However, a challenge from their uncle to try growing worms in the rural neighborhood changed their lives forever.
The couple started their worm farm with nine raised beds, but eventually managed to expand to 138 just to meet local demands. The worm beds are covered with recycled tin roofing, and shade cloth, and are frequently moistened with sprinklers.
Their worm farm, named Rural Earthworms, grows reds, tigers, and African nightcrawlers typically used for local composting. These worms produce nutrient-rich fertilizer out of organic waste. During the pandemic, their worm farm boomed as people turned to gardening due to lockdowns. The couple distributes around 270 boxes of earthworms every week. Despite the increasing demand, the couple shared that worm farming is not that time-consuming compared to their previous work. Children can also be involved in worm farming as it helps them learn to understand the interconnectedness in nature.
According to Watson, most people don't know that worm farmers exist. Comprehensive education on the benefit of worms in farming is needed to help more people to realize the full potential of vermiculture.