Cleopatra declared them sacred. Charles Darwin studied them for more than 40 years and wrote a bestselling book about them. Now Rosa and Simon are determined worms receive the recognition they deserve. Darwin once wrote that it may be doubted whether many other animals that have played so important a part in the history of the world as earthworms. The Worm Farm agrees.

Designed and Built on the Isle of Wight

During lockdown, Simon began designing what would become the Minhocasa, a hand-built aluminium wormery manufactured on the Island. The system uses a unique flow-through design: worms live within the central bedding area, move upward to feed and downward to deposit vermicast. This allows for continuous, straightforward harvesting. Unlike many plastic systems, the Minhocasa is:

• waterproof
• rat-proof
• temperature-stable
• durable, practical and farm-ready.

“We could have outsourced production and made a cheaper product,” says Simon, “but it had to be good for the worms and good for the Island.”

Turning Waste into Resource

Vermicomposting, the process of using worms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, offers a practical solution for farms, hospitality businesses, schools and councils looking to reduce waste and rebuild soil fertility. The system works with a simple 1:1 balance of nitrogen and carbon material such as:

• Green waste or food waste (if it grew out of soil worms can eat it)
• Hay, straw, shredded cardboard or paper, sawdust or wood chip

The Worm Farm uses Dendrobaena and Tiger worms, species well suited to active composting and the UK climate. Together they efficiently process organic matter into three valuable outputs:

• Vermicast (worm compost)
• Liquid leachate (‘Worm Wee’ for your flowers not food)
• Worm Tea – created by steeping vermicast in rainwater to produce a nutrient rich liquid fertiliser (our own “Poo-Tea-Liser”).

All are biologically active and rich in plant-available nutrients.

Proven Results on the Island

The Garlic Farm has been operating a Minhocasa wormery for over a year and has recently installed two additional units. The system has helped:

• reduce food waste by approximately 50%
• lower disposal costs
• produce organic fertiliser used directly on garlic crops

The farm reports a 23% increase in yield since incorporating worm-based fertiliser into its soil management programme. For a business recently certified organic by the Soil Association, soil biology and nutrient cycling are central to long-term resilience. As Barnes Edwards of The Garlic Farm explains, over 70% of global soils have been degraded in the past 60 years, yet 95% of our food depends on soil. Rebuilding soil biology is no longer optional.

Scaling Up, From Smallholding to 100 Acres

One large Minhocasa unit has the capacity to generate substantial volumes of fertiliser suitable for up to 100 acres of arable land three to four times per year, depending on crop type and application rates. Interest has come from:

• farmers
• vineyards
• poly-tunnel growers
• the no-dig community
• commercial printers exploring paper waste diversion

Even llama manure and yes, Rosa and Simon now own 28 llamas, can be processed through the system, closing yet another nutrient loop.

A Practical Regenerative Tool

With increasing scrutiny on fertiliser inputs, nutrient runoff and waste management, vermicomposting offers:

• On-farm fertiliser production
• Reduced waste disposal costs
• Improved soil structure and biological activity
• Enhanced crop resilience
• Lower environmental risk

It is low energy, scalable and locally manufactured. As Simon says:

“We’re trying to make the world greener, one worm at a time.”

See It in Action

Farmers and land managers are invited to a free event at The Garlic Farm on Thursday 16 April 2026, where the Minhocasa system will be demonstrated in action. Free refreshments will be available, with opportunity to discuss practical set-up, outputs and suitability for different enterprises. The restaurant and bar will be open from 6 for food and drinks. Talks and presentations from 7.30 – 9 and The garlic Farm will create an event with a booking link ASAP.

Healthy soils underpin profitable farms.

Let worms do the work. Sit back and let nature compost for you. Minhocasa makes it easy.

For more information please call 01983 221122 or email: hello@theworm.farm

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NB This article is written independently of Wight Rural Hub editorial content.