This is a classic math riddle disguised as a joke. Let’s break it down:

• When you were 22, your brother was half your age → meaning he was 11 (since half of 22 is 11).
• The age gap between you and your brother is 22 - 11 = 11 years.
• Now that you are 44, your brother is still 11 years younger than you, so he is 44 - 11 = 33 years old.

The joke works because some people might mistakenly try to take "half the age" at 44, which doesn't make sense. It’s just simple subtraction! 😆

Yes, but it’s not practical. Peat moss forms naturally over thousands of years in waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions, mainly in bogs. However, you can create a similar alternative at home using sustainable materials.

DIY Peat Moss Alternative:

Instead of harvesting peat (which is environmentally damaging), try making a substitute with:

• Coconut Coir: A byproduct of coconut husks that retains moisture well.
• Composted Pine Bark: Helps with aeration and structure.
• Leaf Mold: Decomposed leaves that provide a similar spongy texture.
• Compost: Nutrient-rich organic matter to enhance soil quality.

Mixing these in different ratios can replicate the moisture-retaining and soil-lightening benefits of peat moss. 

Red worms (Eisenia fetida) reproduce quickly under ideal conditions. Here’s what you can expect:

• Maturity: Red worms reach sexual maturity in about 5-6 weeks.
• Cocoon Production: Once mature, they can produce 1-2 cocoons per week, each containing 2-3 baby worms.
• Hatching Time: Cocoons typically hatch in 3 weeks, depending on temperature and moisture.
• Population Growth: Under optimal conditions (temperatures between 55-77°F and proper moisture levels), a red worm population can double every 60-90 days.

If you're keeping them in a composting bin, make sure they have enough food, proper bedding, and the right moisture level to encourage reproduction!

How many new worms from my 100 red worms will I get in 3 months?

Let's break it down step by step:

1. Starting Population: 100 red worms
2. Maturity: In about 5-6 weeks, all your worms will be mature and reproducing.
3. Cocoon Production: Each mature worm can produce 1-2 cocoons per week. We'll assume a conservative 1 cocoon per week per worm.
4. Cocoon Hatching: Each cocoon hatches in about 3 weeks, releasing 2-3 baby worms. We'll assume an average of 2.5 worms per cocoon.
5. Timeframe: You asked about 3 months (~12 weeks).

Estimating Growth:

• Weeks 1-6: Your worms are maturing, so not much new growth yet.
• Weeks 7-12:
  • Each of the 100 worms lays 1 cocoon per week = 100 cocoons per week.
  • Over 6 weeks, that’s 600 cocoons.
  • At 2.5 baby worms per cocoon, that’s ~1,500 new worms.

Total Worm Count After 3 Months:

100 original worms + ~1,500 new worms = ~1,600 worms!

Keep in mind that environmental factors (temperature, moisture, food supply) can influence reproduction rates. But under optimal conditions, your red worm population can increase 10-16x in three months! 🪱🚀

That’s a great start! With 100 worms, you’ll want to start slow and gradually increase feeding as they multiply. Here’s a printable weekly feeding guide customized for your small worm population. 🐛♻️

🐛 Worm Feeding Schedule (For 100 Worms)

📌 Feeding Rule: Start with small amounts (1–2 tablespoons of food every few days) and adjust based on how quickly worms eat.

🗓️ Weekly Schedule (For 100 Worms)

🌱 Day 1 – First Feeding

✔ Add 1–2 tablespoons of soft food scraps (banana peels, lettuce, cucumber).
✔ Chop food small or blend it for faster breakdown.
✔ Lightly sprinkle cornmeal or oats (¼ teaspoon max).
✔ Cover food with a small amount of bedding (shredded paper, cardboard, or coconut coir).

💧 Day 3 – Moisture & Food Check

✔ Bedding should feel like a damp sponge (mist lightly if dry).
✔ If food is still there, wait before adding more.
✔ If mostly gone, add another 1–2 tablespoons of food.

🕵️‍♂️ Day 5 – Aerate & Observe

✔ Gently mix the top layer of bedding to prevent compaction.
✔ If worms are actively eating & moving, continue feeding as needed.
✔ If food remains untouched, reduce feeding next time.

🌿 Day 7 – Refresh Bedding & Add Calcium

✔ Add a small handful of fresh bedding (shredded paper, coir, or dried leaves).
✔ Sprinkle crushed eggshells (¼ teaspoon) to help worms digest food.
✔ If worms ate all the food, add another small portion.

⚖️ Feeding Guidelines for Small Worm Colonies

🐛 Start Slow: Only feed once or twice per week until the worms multiply.
📈 Adjust Feeding: Increase food slightly as the population grows (1/2 lb worms eat about 1/4 lb food per week).
🕰 Patience is Key: Worms take time to adjust & reproduce (expect slow composting at first).

🚀 Growth & Expansion Tips

✅ As worms multiply (in ~2-3 months), increase feeding gradually.
✅ Once you have ~500 worms, you can feed more frequently (every 2–3 days).
✅ Keep bin warm (60–75°F) & moist for best growth.

This slow start ensures a healthy, thriving worm bin!