The book that started a backyard worm revolution over three decades ago continues to be the definitive guide to vermicomposting--the process of using red worms to recycle human food waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants.
Originally written in 1982 and expanded into a second edition in 1997, Worms Eat My Garbage has sold over 200,000 copies. Author Mary Appelhof excelled at writing scientific information in a format easily understood by the layperson. The book provides complete illustrated instructions on setting up and maintaining a small-scale worm composting system.
The 2016 third edition provides more detail on the anatomy of a red worm. The chapter on worm species updates the number of species identified to date as well as expands on the use of scientific names. Other topics covered are the worm bin ecosystem, the care and feeding of worms, setting up a worm bin, harvesting worm castings, and the benefits of castings to plants.
Appelhof also provides plans for building wooden worm bins and shows how to make a bin out of a plastic tub—along with information on the manufactured bins presently available in the marketplace.
