There are all sorts of myths and misunderstandings about worm composting. One of the most common misconceptions is that people can be allergic to or have other reactions to worm compost.
While these things are possible, they aren't likely so long as you take a few precautions when working with them. Simple Grow Soil answers some frequently asked questions about worm compost allergies and personal safety concerns.
Worm compost, also called vermicomposting, is created when worms are fed food scraps. The organic matter from the kitchen and garden ultimately becomes rich in nutrients that soil can easily absorb as well as a variety of other minerals. Worms consume this waste material and excrete natural plant-based fertilizer made up primarily of worm castings.
When you work with worm compost, should you use gloves and wash your hands frequently?
As a rule of thumb, it's always best to wear gloves when handling any soil. Worm castings can be slightly irritating if they contact the skin, so taking precautions is wise. It's also crucial that children not handle the worm castings. Wash your hands after handling the compost and before eating or touching any other part of your body as well.
No, it isn't toxic to humans or animals, but you should take precautions when working with it to minimize skin contact. There are no allergies reported concerning worm compost.
It's unlikely that you will experience an allergy from handling the material. Still, as with any garden soil, if there is a known sensitivity, then caution should be exercised.
The most common toxic reaction reported in connection with worm compost is skin irritation, resulting in an itchy rash.
The most common causes are handling the material without gloves or washing your hands before eating, and touching any other part of your body.
Making use of worm compost has many benefits. One is that it makes soil less compact and improves its ability to hold water. In addition, worm castings provide a rich source of nutrients, primarily carbon which plays an essential role in photosynthesis:
-composting helps build healthy soils by providing fertile material for the development of mycorrhizal fungi, which help plants get the nutrients they need.
-The nutrient-rich compost produced can be used as a fertilizer for gardens, lawns, and houseplants.
When handling worm castings, you should always wear gloves to avoid contact with skin and wash your hands before eating or touching any other part of your body.
In addition, people with allergies to animal hair or products should be aware of the potential for allergic reactions. For example, those who suffer from hay fever may want to avoid worm compost which can cause an increase in pollen levels.
Personal safety is another consideration: while not a serious health threat because they are free of bacteria, worms emit a slimy substance that can irritate the skin and eyes.
Worms create compost through vermicomposting, which is essentially the conversion of organic material into plant-nutrient-rich soil. Effectively, worms will eat and then poop in their environment, making an efficient way for food scraps to be turned into nutrient-rich, fluffy soil that can be used for all garden plants as well as for houseplants.
When it comes to just starting in the worm composting world, you will want to follow a few guidelines that include:
-Staying away from meat, fish, or dairy products because we don't know how worms will react to those items.
-Using only food scraps that are 100% organic and not treated with chemicals in any way. This means fruit peels and vegetables but stay away from corn husks, as they contain pesticides.
-Making sure you have a well-ventilated area.
Do use gloves when working with worms, and make sure to wash your hands immediately after handling them because they can cause allergies or other reactions in sensitive people. Worm compost is entirely safe for most people who are not allergic to it, but we know that those with allergies should never handle it.
-Worms' digestive system is susceptible to chemicals - if they ingest any, the result could be toxic for them, which would mean a lousy compost product in turn.
Worms are generally relatively safe and cause no more allergies than any other earthworm, but every animal that humans interact with could cause an allergic reaction.
-Use gloves when you handle them or work in their vicinity.
-Do not use worm compost on plants if they're grown for seed production, as it could interfere with reproduction.
-Wash your hands frequently when you work with worm compost.
We have learned that people can be allergic to worms, but this is not something we are used to seeing, so it's pretty uncommon.
The main reactions to worm compost are that it can cause a gastrointestinal response in some people when ingested, but this is pretty rare. The most severe symptoms of these allergic reactions include vomiting and diarrhea, while milder ones could be nausea, sneezing, or skin irritation. Worms themselves cannot live on humans, but they do not carry any diseases, so they can't infect humans.
Worm compost is exceptionally safe for humans. There have been very few reports of people getting ill from worms. With that said, we do still advise people to take personal safety precautions like using gloves and washing hands frequently after they have been touching worm compost and castings. All of your garden and potted plants will thank you for the delicious nutrition you are providing them through worm compost. Enjoy the benefits of a beautiful garden after making good use of worm compost!
Do you wish your plants would grow bigger? Was your garden less than it should've been last year?
If you're tired of growing puny vegetables and fruits, it's time for an upgrade...Simple Grow Worm Castings!
What are worm castings? Another term for worm manure. Why would you want to use it in your garden, raised beds, and house plants? Because it makes them grow bigger, faster and healthier...with no chemicals!
How do worm castings do this? It's like giving your plants a powerful multivitamin with everything they need to grow. Trace minerals, nutrients, and most importantly...worm castings are chock full of beneficial microbes. Why does that make a difference?
In recent years, we've learned the importance of gut bacteria for humans and know that it impacts so many different parts of our health. The same thing applies with worms. Gut bacteria from the worm's digestive tract gets into the soil from the worm castings and promotes plant health. Plants have a symbiotic relationship with the microbes from the worm's digestive tract. Plants respond to it and grow really big...really fast!
If you've never tried worm castings before, you owe it to yourself to give them a try. Instead of using traditional chemical fertilizers from the big box store, why not try fresh, certified organic worm castings this year? You'll be able to grow bigger, healthier plants that you actually can feel good about eating.
Take advantage of our special bundle sale on 25lb bags today!
