Worms are like bees and spiders: You probably recoil from them, and from their super-important responsibilities in nature’s grand scheme. For one, plows have nothing on worms, whose prolific earth-burrowing allows more water and air to reach both soil and plant roots. And their ravenous appetite results in nutrient-rich fertilizer. Not for nothing is worm poop (or castings) nicknamed “black gold,” as both casual and serious composters employ the wrigglers—specifically red wrigglers—to devour and digest fruit and vegetable scraps and other biological detritus to enrich their soil. Castings are kinda like multivitamins for plants, full of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen.

Sold on the idea of vermicomposting yet? You should be, given the minimal fuss it takes to maintain such a garden (or indoor) operation, and the robust produce that can come from it. Seek out vendors with experience breeding worms in the desert (lasvegasworms.com or funkyfreshfoods.com), and follow their advice on how to place, feed and maintain them. Soon, your garden will blossom, with your wrigglers having literally done the dirty work.