Glossary of common Vermiculture Terminology:
Acid(ic)- Referring to material having a low pH. (ex. citrus or vinegar)
Alkaline- Reffering to material having a high pH. (ex. lime or calcium carbonate)
Basic- When used in relation to pH, it is interchangeable with Alkaline.
Bed- A term used to indicate a colony of worms, in a bin or compost pile.
Bed run- A mix of mature, as well as, immature worms. (Not size sorted.)
Bedding- A mix of materials, the worms will live in. A good start for a bin is a 50/50 mix of coir and shredded paper. It should be at least 4" deep.
"Black Gold"- See Castings
Breeder- A sexually mature worm, distinguishable by the "cigar band," approximately 1/3 of the way down from the head.
Breeder Feeder and Bed Booster- A proprietary mix of feed, minerals and supplements to boost your beds and increase breeding activity. Particular supplements and minerals increase beneficial bacteria and microbe poulations and put worms "in-the-mood" to breed. This is an exclusive, available only through Wybo's Wigglers and our retailers.
Castings- The final product, otherwise known as "black gold" in the garden world, created by worms in a vermicomposting operation. This material is fully digested organic material, the worm "manure," if you will. It is 5-11 times more nutritious than common soil, for planting. It is commonly used to brew "worm tea" as well as mixed with soil for planting and starting seeds. It is full of millions of beneficial microbes and bacteria as well as, micronutrients.
Cocoon- A tiny "lemon drop" looking sac, containing 2-20 forming young worms. The average hatch is usually ~4.
Coir- The fibrous material from the husk of cocnouts. A superior replacement to peat moss, for bedding in worm bins. Unlike peat, it has a neutral pH and is a renewable resource. Coir can hold it's own weight in water.
"De-chlorinated water"- When using municipal water, fill a bucket and place outdoors for 24 hours. This will bring chlorine and chloramines down to levels that will not harm your worms. When possible, always use rain water.
European Nightcrawler- The species Eisenia hotensis.
Hermaphrodite- Containing both male and female reproductive organs. Although true hermaphrodites, worms are unable to "self inseminate." They must exchange sperm with another worm, in order to produce a cocoon.
pH- A numeric scale used to measure acidity or alkalinity. 0, being most acidic and 14, being the most alkaline or basic. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. The actual measurement of pH is achieved with a meter or litmus paper strips.
Red Wigglers- The species Eisenia foetida. Rule of 24's- In extremes of heat or cold, when raised outdoors, a worm must have 24" of material between them and the environment. A compost pile should be 2' tall and 4' in diameter. This allows for protection from the heat or cold. They will self regulate by moving deeper into, or out of the pile. Even in winter months, a compost pile must be kept moist, to continue the natural biodegradation processes and worms alive.
Symbiotic- Different organisms and/or species, co-existing in a mutually beneficial realtionship, many times for the survival of both.
"Tea"- The solution created by steeping worm castings in water. Aeration will increase the viability of this solution. Once mixed, it should be used within 48 hours, for best results.
Vermicompost- The material created by the use of worms in composting organic materials. This differs from castings, as it still contains materials that have not finished biodegrading and/or been digested by the worms. If carried out to completion, casting are the result.
Vermicomposting- The method employing the use of worms, to reduce compost and organic materials into a more finished or refined product, more rapidly than through normal biodegradation. When carried out to completion, castings are the result.
Vermiculture- Is the practice of raising or "farming" worms.