693: Paul Horner on Vermicomposting.
Worms are people too.
In This Podcast:
When his previous industry ground to a sudden halt, Paul Horner decided to farm worms, and this unusual decision turned his life in a completely unexpected direction. His enthusiastic appreciation for the humble worm has fueled a passion for educating others about the value of these tiny creatures, creatures that can magically turn food waste into one of the best plant foods on the planet. Paul openly shares his story, encouraging us to have positive feelings not just about worms, but also about ourselves.
Paul Horner is a worm farmer, published children’s book author, and Co-Founder of Our Silent Partners – a grass roots effort focusing on transforming waste diversion into chemical-free soil amendments. An organic gardener and avid composter for over 20 years, Paul has only recently been awakened to what he calls “the true magic that is vermicomposting”. His first book, an illustrated children’s book titled “Worms Are People, Too”, was published in April 2022. He is a member of the U.S. Composting Council, the North Carolina Composting Council, and the Carolina Farm Stewards Association. Paul currently resides in Harrisburg, NC with his wife and three children.
Listen in and learn about:
-
- Beginning at a crossroads
- Dad wants to do what??
- Discovering free information about vermicomposting (and the Urban Farm!)
- Drinking from a firehose
- Doing well and splitting bins
- Counting worms – approximately 1000 per pound
- Getting ready to move from bins to troughs
- Baiting the worms to make harvesting easier
- Laying good foundations for the business
- Becoming fascinated by these tiny organisms
- Recycling old T-shirts…all but the tag and the stitching
- Harmless aluminum cans and kitchen waste combine to become deadly in the landfill
- Removing food waste from the landfill and turning it into something everyone can use
- Being told he has two things kids love inspired a book
- What you need to start a worm bin
- Making and using worm tea
- The one thing to take away from this episode
As well as:
His failure – Killing a batch of worms
His success – Successfully pivoting from a career in hospitality to what he is doing now
His drive – His family
His advice – “Don’t give up!”
Books written by Paul:
Paul’s Book recommendations:
The Worm Farmer’s Handbook: Mid- to Large-Scale Vermicomposting for Farms, Businesses, Municipalities, Schools, and Institutions by Dr Rhonda Sherman
How to reach Paul:
Website: www.oursilentpartners.com
Email: oursilentpartners@outlook.com
UrbanFarm.org/oursilentpartners
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