The addition of even a handful of insects, poultry, fish or
small mammals on your property can greatly increase your
food independence and the quality of home-produced
food. Many beneficial animals can be added without significant changes in infrastructure or exorbitant upfront costs.
Animals of all kinds can be used humanely to aid in food
production. In most cases their manure alone is worth the
investment. Many animals serve multiple purposes and benefits, and can live a happy, healthy life while doing so.
Worms
Worms are one of the easiest animals to add to a food system
with minimal investment. They will eat all vegetative food
scraps and in their wake leave a nutrient-dense, rich soil
amendment and fertilizer. They require no permits to purchase or keep, and can be raised discreetly even in a highrise apartment in the city.
Red wigglers are one
of the best types of
worms to obtain
for this purpose,
known as vermicomposting or
vermiculture.
Avoid night
crawlers and
other worms
found in the
garden; these
should be left to do
their good work where
they are found. Many
pre-fabricated worm boxes can
be found in stores and online. The do-it-yourselfer can easily
construct a box suitable for raising worms. It is import to
make sure there is some sort of tray on the bottom to collect
any liquid that leaches through. This worm tea is pure gold
for plants. It can be applied directly to the soil as an amendment, or diluted and sprayed on plants as a foliar feed. The
solid wastes from worms can be incorporated into soil or potting media for a great boost of organic nutrients.
Worms are
one of the easiest
animals to add to a food
system with minimal
investment.”
Maximum Yield USA | February 2014
137