VermiPods^™ Encapsulated Earthworm Cocoons^™

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

Orders for in-stock seeds and hardgoods are typically shipped within 5 business days.

Plants will be shipped at the proper planting time for your area of the country during the shipping timeframes outlined below:

Shipping Note:

The type of product you order or the weather in our area or yours may affect the anticipated shipping schedule.

Trees and shrubs are kept in the nursery row until fully dormant for optimum stress protection.

In all cases, we choose the fastest, most efficient way to send your order--via the U.S. Postal Service or United Parcel Service. Large orders may be shipped in more than one package.

Please note that we cannot ship outside of the continental United States.