VermiPods^™ Encapsulated Earthworm Cocoons^™

• Ideal for use with our Worm Composting System
• Easily turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost
• Reduce pathogens in waste materials
• Add cocoons directly to compost piles or hatch indoors

VermiPods^™ Encapsulated Earthworm Cocoons^™ (red worms) are ideal for use with our Worm Composting System or as an addition to outdoor composting systems or open compost piles. Their presence is key to forming rich, organic matter in compost! Bacteria inside red worms break down plant fibers, turning the material they leave behind into a fertile amendment for plants. Worms process their own weight in waste every day and can tolerate high moisture levels. Studies show that pathogens are reduced in waste materials when worms are present. Worms arrive within a protective cocoon. Encapsulated cocoons can be added directly to compost piles or hatched indoors and transplanted to a compost system later. Eggs hatch in 32-73 days (depending on temperature and humidity) and mature in about 10 weeks. Increase reproduction by adding crushed eggshells to your compost. Hatching red worms is a great project for kids and adults both! (Please note that softened water should never be used for soaking the cocoons—the salt will kill the worms.)

How many earthworms are enough?

For an idea of how many earthworms your garden could happily house, consider these numbers:
Healthy soil can contain about 1.5 million worms per acre. The more the merrier in most garden plots, given that their castings contain 10 times the amount of nutrients and minerals as were in the plant debris they feasted on. That adds up to rich soil in which plants thrive.
To estimate how many earthworms you already have, dig a hole 8-10" deep by one foot wide. Count the worms you find in the dirt you remove. Score your soil using these figures:

• More than 10 worms = robust soil
• 6 to 10 = moderately healthy soil
• 5 or less = soil needs improvement

If its time to replenish your supply with Encapsulated Earthworm Cocoons, we've done the math for you. Use at least one cocoon per square foot to reintroduce earthworms—and their numerous benefits—into your soil.