The Worm Book: The Complete Guide to Gardening and Composting with Worms

by Loren Nancarrow, Janet Hogan Taylor

Worms are the latest (as well as, of course, perhaps the oldest!) trend in earth-friendly gardening, and in this handy guide, the authors of DEAD SNAILS LEAVE NO TRAILS demystify the world of worm wrangling, with everything you need to know to build your own worm bin, make your garden worm-friendly, pamper your soil, and much much more.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Science, Education

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Michael Flanagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why read a book on worms I hear you say. Because worms are amazing creatures and I wanted to learn how to become a worm farmer. I read this book because I was looking for information for a proposal I was putting together for Worm Farming as an industry in the prison where I work. Did I get the information I was after? Yes I did. After reading this book I had a clear idea for a business plan to harness the might of the worm. My understanding of all things wormy was greatly increased by this book. It is amazing the amount of refuse these little critters go through. Via the humble worm I should be able to cut down on the amount of landfill produced by my work environment by up to 70%. So impressed and excited was I about what worms can do I have set up my own little worm ranch at home.

So why only 3 stars? The last couple of chapters of the book was dedicated to poetry, songs and recipes all to do with worms. Why I get the author really digs worms I could have done without the worm love. Also as a non-American reader it would have been handy to have the measurements and ratios in metric as well as US imperial. This might sound pedantic but I had to spend a bit of time converting these into a form I could get my head around.

[Estella]

The central purpose of the book is to be guide and reference to the worm compost owner (urban or rural, new or experienced), and that is why I got the book. There's even a chapter for the worm entrepreneur. However, I became impressed with the thoroughness of the scientific background and became further impressed with the information on worms in the agriculture of Cuba, because although I was vaguely aware of the agricultural benefits of keeping a worm compost, I was not expecting such a thoughtful and well-researched chapter on the subject in this short guidebook.

The book is not the best-written book, but the information is invaluable. Even if you're not into composting and worms, it is fascinating and necessary to know what is happening to our soil, and therefore our food supply and our earth, when we farm using artificial means instead of nature's own tillers and fertilizers. It's a win-win situation when worms are welcomed into the picture, but the chemicals are unfortunately rubbing them out.

[Audra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book on how to compost with worms. I'll buy the book if I decide to do it. It's just too hot to have a wormbed outside in PHoenix, and I'm not brave enough to start one under the kitchen sink! Maybe in the fall. The first few chapters on worm history/anatomy is pretty boring, but the rest is helpful.

[Katelyn Bolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with almost a middle school style vocabulary, this book provides very detailed information regarding anything you need to know about worms especially worm bins. I assumed that there would be more information regarding worms in the garden but the main focus is instructing gardeners how to use them indoors. This does seem to be the best way to use them to create vermicompost.
With an excellent glossary of terms, research information and appendices including recipes and poetry a la earthworms, this book is definitely the place to begin your worm research.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is much like a slightly more intensive and dry “Worms Eat My Garbage”. I decided it should receive five, rather than four, stars primarily due to the additional chapters on worm poetry and worm-based recipes. I mean, worm cakes and worm meatballs? Why not?

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

now I feel bad for stepping on worms

[Stgertrude · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me to start my wormery 5 years ago and provided me with all I needed to know on the subject at the beginning. I still refer to the problems in the worm bin section. Worms are amazing! ;-)

[Barbara Radisavljevic]

This book provides all the beginning worm composter needs to know.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I've been wanting to try vermiculture, and this book explains everything very clearly, and gives you a good dose of science.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty useful if you want to start a worm bin. :)

[Mike Moskos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the 4 books on worms I've read (so far).

[Michael Garner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introduction for beginners for worm composting. I can't wait to get started.

[Dawn Mateo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned all the ways I messed up my first bin. Hopeful for my next bin! Made many notes and this book will serve as a great reference guide.

[Saoirse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. I think I've got a good grasp on vermicomposting now.