About this item
A new edition of the definitive guide to vermicomposting--a process using redworms to recycle human food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants. Author Mary Appelhof provides complete illustrated instructions on setting up and maintaining small-scale worm composting systems. Internationally recognized as an authority on vermicomposting, Appelhof has worked with worms for over three decades. Topics include: bin types, worm species, reproduction, care and feeding of worms, harvesting, and how to make the finished product of potting soil.
About the Author
Mary Appelhof was a pioneer in the world of vermicomposting. Responsible for many initiatives in the development of vermiculture she was recognized by Clive Edwards in the preface of "Vermiculture Technology" where he dedicated the book to her.In 1979 she organized a workshop to address the breakdown of organic wastes by earthworms. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) the conference was attended by over 40 participants. The result of this conference was the publication "Workshop on the Role of Earthworms in the Stabilization of Organic Residues, Volume 1 PROCEEDINGS".Setting up her own publishing company Mary wrote the first edition of "Worms Eat My Garbage " in 1982. The book was so successful that she expanded it in 1997 with its second edition. Prepared by a master's degrees in biology and education she spent 25 years working with earthworms to develop systems for using redworms (Eisenis fetida) to process organic waste. Her focus was on education to promote small domestic vermicomposting systems for use in homes and schools. During this time she received a NSF grant to video the hatching of an earthworm from its cocoon. The result was a video and later a DVD of "Wormania".In 2000, she was one of the organizers of an International Symposium and Training Workshop in Kalamazoo Michigan called the Vermillenium. The proceedings from this symposium were published after her death in 2005.Her good friend Joanne Olszewski continues Mary's work today. In 2017 she updated her landmark book for a "35th Anniversary Edition of Worms Eat My Garbage". Joanne continues to take vermicomposting into homes and schools as a way to reduce food waste and produce a healthy soil amendment.
