Sofia's Wiggly Helpers

Sofia loved helping her dad in the garden more than anything. One sunny morning, a special package arrived. "It's from Alpenwurm!" said Dad with a smile. "Our new garden helpers are here."

Dad carefully opened the bag. Inside, nestled in dark, crumbly soil, were dozens of pink, wiggly worms. "Wow!" Sofia whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. "They're like little garden superheroes."

"They're a little tired from their trip," Dad explained, pointing to the big pile of leaves and old vegetable peels. "We need to get them into their new home. This compost pile will be their kitchen, bedroom, and playground all in one!"

Sofia gently tipped the bag over the compost. The worms and the special soil they traveled in tumbled softly onto a bed of brown leaves. "Welcome home, wiggly helpers!" she cheered.

One brave worm, whom Sofia decided to name Wigglebert, peeked out from the soil. After the long, bumpy journey, he was still at first. Then, he gave a little wiggle and started to burrow down into the cool, dark compost.

"They're digging down to where it's dark and cozy," Dad said softly. "They're not big fans of the bright sun." Sofia watched, mesmerized, as the last little worm tail disappeared into the pile.

"What will they eat?" Sofia asked. "They are fantastic recyclers!" Dad said. "They love to eat our leftover fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and even torn-up cardboard. It's a feast for them!"

Sofia also learned what the worms shouldn't eat. Dad made a little sign. "No meat, no cheese, and no oily foods," he said. "Those things can make the compost smelly and aren't good for our worm friends."

Every few days, Sofia brought the worms a treat. She would use her small trowel to bury banana peels and old lettuce leaves just under the surface. She knew Wigglebert and his friends were deep inside, munching away happily.

Sofia was so proud of her wiggly helpers. They were tiny, but they were doing a very big job, turning kitchen scraps into rich, dark soil that would help all the flowers and vegetables in their garden grow big, healthy, and strong.