Quick read with almost a middle school style vocabulary, this book provides very detailed information regarding anything you need to know about worms especially worm bins. I assumed that there would be more information regarding worms in the garden but the main focus is instructing gardeners how to use them indoors. This does seem to be the best way to use them to create vermicompost.
With an excellent glossary of terms, research information and appendices including recipes and poetry a la earthworms, this book is definitely the place to begin your worm research. ( )

How to build a worm composting bin; how corm composting works, and why it's such a good idea; how to use worms, castings, and vermicompost in your garden ...

I am in the process of buying a house -- with a yard! I've never owned a real yard. And it's almost spring, and I had to run an errand near a book store yesterday. So I now possess a half dozen books about gardening. This is a cute little book about earthworms. It has a chapter on earthworm biology with pretty and informative drawings, several chapters on maintaining an earthworm bin, a chapter on critters that are found in the vicinity of earthworms, a chapter on homegrown methods of discouraging various pests. Also a chapter with earthworm recipes which, setting aside the squeamishness factor, I will ignore because the methods for killing earthworms seem cruel (freezing or boiling). In sum, a useful book even if I never raise earthworms deliberately, but just want to be aware of what's going on in my yard.

(read 18 Feb 2009)

I really like this book because it's the most comprehensive book I've read about worms and vermicomposting, hands down. I've read a lot online and in other books about worm composting, and was still left with questions. I've accidentally killed three pounds of worms trying things out (I know, I'm a bad vegan), and after reading this book I feel like I would be more confident on my fourth try. There is a troubleshooting guide in this book that is extremely helpful, and the author also tells you explicitly what your worms will tolerate and what they won't.

Definitely recommended for anybody interested in vermicomposting, or if you just really want to know how worms have sex. ( )