Running a successful worm business involves a unique set of tasks and rituals that keep the operation thriving. From the crack of dawn until the sun sets, each step is crucial in ensuring that our worms are healthy and ready to find their new homes.
Early Rise and Checkup
The day begins at 4 AM with a steaming cup of hot coffee. As the first rays of dawn appear, it’s time to check on our wriggly residents. Worms prefer the cooler hours, so an early start is essential. A quick inspection of the worm containers is the first order of business. Moisture content is meticulously assessed, ensuring it’s just right – not too damp and not too dry. And of course, a quick scan for any “escapees” is always on the list.
Caring for our Crawling Friends
The worms are quite particular about their living conditions. To start, each container is checked for proper growing conditions. Visual observation and a gentle hand-check ensure that the worms are content. If moisture levels need adjustment, a sprinkle of water is just enough. Following this, a feed of our special corn meal-based mix is lightly scattered on top of each container. It’s a simple process, but with hundreds of containers, it can be quite the endeavor.
A Glimpse into Shipping
Once the containers are tended to, it’s time to review shipping orders. The number of worms needed to fulfill each order is carefully tallied. To harvest the worms, we employ an 8-foot tumbler with a mesh screen. The tumbling action separates dirt and worm cocoons, leaving us with a mass of healthy, lively worms. These worms are then counted out – 100, 500, 1000, 2000, and so on.
Preparing for their Journey
The separated worms find their new home in Uncle Jim’s breathable bags. Placed in dry bedding and packed into FedEx shipping boxes, they’re soon on their way to eager customers across the country. But before the day wraps up, there’s one last task. The remnants from the tumbling process – worm cocoons and dirt – are collected. These materials are placed in fresh containers, ready to start the next cycle of life. These worms embark on a 90-day journey of growth, transforming into the next generation.
The Complexity of Simplicity
As straightforward as it might sound, tending to the needs of our worms throughout the day is a full-time job. Watering, feeding, sorting, packing, and shipping require dedicated attention. The meticulous process of caring for these creatures that contribute so much to our ecosystem is both rewarding and demanding.
So, the next time you enjoy the fruits of our worms’ labor in your garden, remember the intricate process that brought them to you. From the first rays of sunlight to the fading twilight, Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm is bustling with activity, ensuring that our tiny underground friends are healthy, happy, and ready for their next adventure.
