About three years ago we began raising red wigglers in containers of horse manure. As our knowledge of microbial farming increased we worked hard to increase the diversity of the microbes to be found. We include some of the advantages of multi stock grazing by adding in smaller amounts of goat, turkey, hog, and cattle manure. The only thing else to go into our mix are coffee grounds and filters and two small applications of cane mollasses. Microbes from the base of hardwoods along the stream have been added in as have fungus from an adjacent pine forest floor.
Over the years the wigglers have colonized much of our old pastures and are a big part of why the land can absorb rainfall so much better. We do not use any chemical fertilizers. We have been sparing in how much of our vermicompost we have applied to the soil and primarily use it in areas of too much soil compaction.
While it is very true that worm castings are loaded with nutrients that plants get tremendous use from, I think that the most important component of vermicompost for overall soil health are the microbes that remain in the mix. I might be being overly cautious, but I only use vermicompost that is fresh and loaded with microbial life.
That is the only way that I will sell it. When purchasers arrive at the horse lot we will sift and package the product directly from the bin. The price will be fifteen dollars for a five pound bag. If you bring your own five gallon bucket we will fill it for $25.00.
Sales go entirely to support our program. We have no paid staff. Everyone here, who do all of the things that we get done, are volunteers. Sales are made by appointment only.
To schedule a purchase email msindianhorses@aol.com. We are located outside of Smithfield, Virginia.
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