Worm Wrangler brings composting know-how to Grace United’s High Noon crowd

Glenna Roth of Tavistock Mennonite Church, who chaired the program, thanks speaker Amanda Hunter after her presentation on raising composting worms. Hunter holds one of her small helpers for onlookers to examine. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Grace United Church’s monthly High Noon gathering welcomed an unusual and engaging guest last week: the Worm Wrangler.

Amanda Hunter, who operates a full-time vermicomposting business in Kitchener, introduced the audience to red wiggler composting worms and explained how they help turn household and workplace organic waste into rich, nutrient-dense soil. She brought tubs of her worms for the group to examine and described how they speed up the composting process, improve soil health and reduce waste.

Hunter told the crowd she ships her composting worms across Canada and the United States, and also offers workshops, sustainable soil products and guidance for anyone wanting to start vermicomposting at home. A quarter pound of worms costs $25 plus tax, and the worms typically live about three years.

When asked if they could be used for fishing, she clarified that dew worms are better suited for anglers, while red wigglers are meant strictly for composting. She said interest has been strong in classrooms, libraries and community groups looking for natural alternatives to synthetic fertilizers.