Once your pets outgrow your worm farm and join the garden, they also stimulate root growth for stronger, healthier vegetables, herbs, and flowers. These critters leave castings, affectionately known by scientists as worm poop, which improve the texture and fertilizing power of soil. Worms replace the nutrients that are taken out of the soil when herbs and vegetables are grown there. They consume food waste and yard scraps that would otherwise take much longer to decompose in a landfill. Worms can do all of these amazing things: Cornell University has some great resources on the wormy, squirmy world of these little decomposers. So, let's get started! First, the Wiggly Whyīefore gathering your supplies, talk to your kids about why worms are important to soil health. Starting a worm farm is one of the many composting activities for kids that can be done in the kitchen, in a basement, or even outside. And if you're worried about the mess, don't be.

Perhaps best of all is that this process is a free, healthy, screen-free activity for the kids-something parents are always looking for. Also built into this fun activity are lessons about environmental responsibility, science, food production, and animal care. As your family plans and prepares for your upcoming spring garden, there's one hands-on activity you can do together right now: vermicomposting!Ĭreating your own wiggly worm habitat for kids is one of the best ways to teach youngsters about simple, at-home sustainability.

Download green wooly worm