Farming Earthworms

[Tomwalked]

I wanted to share the links I found useful on the (original) subject

1- Build a DIY worm composting bin:
https://www.ecoyardfarming.com/wormcompost/diy-stackable-worm-composter/

2- REALLY like the visual on this page:
https://www.working-worms.com/

3- Two from our local gov:
https://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/sg/wc.cfm
https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/Worms/default.htm

4-List of local (LA) worm suppliers:
https://www.lacitysan.org/solid_resources/recycling/composting/worm_supplier_list.htm


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[soil]

try reading this method

https://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/1972-05-01/Grow-It-Earthworms.aspx

[john gault]

many earthworms are non-native in north america. there are only two genera that are native. most worms of the most-recently-glaciated north are introduced. it definitely has an effect on the ecology/diversity of those areas.

ok... so it is something that we shouldn't concern ourselves with too much?
or is it a genuine issue?

I am going to be purchasing a bunch soon and plan to let them be "free-range" in my compost area...
are there a better species to choose than another - in regards to this issue?

ie... should I try to buy ONLY native worms?

You don't need to buy them. Just start composting and they'll come in large numbers. I compost using the Heap method https://compostinfo.com/tutorial/methods.htm#heap and all I got to do is brush aside a layer only a couple inches thick and I got redwigglers jumping all around, never bought a single worm.

They may be an invasive / non-native (take your pick), but they're here and firmly established.

[FlowerPowerGirl]

What is so good about red wiggler worms? Why are they better than some other kind of worm that I might find in the garden?

[john gault]

What is so good about red wiggler worms? Why are they better than some other kind of worm that I might find in the garden?

It's just that red wigglers are adapted to working in the compost, unlike earthworm/nightcrawlers that you might find when digging into your garden, redwigglers don't dig into the earth they are the ones you find in the mulch eating the leaf litter.

If you take a red wiggler and throw him in your garden he'd die, becuase they can't dig too deep into the earth. And if you take a nightcrawler and throw him into a worm bin he'd die because they need to dig into the earth. https://www.howtocompost.org/worm_composting.asp

[PunkRotten]

I keep about 1000 red wigglers in an 8 gallon tote. I punched lots of holes in the top. I use newspaper as their bedding and add veg and fruit scraps. I spray wit with water once in awhile to maintain moisture in the bin. About once a week I flip the bedding.


I just cleaned out the whole bin and got a few pounds of the worm poo. Is this the same as manure where you gotta let it break down atleast 90 days before harvesting any veg or fruit?

[cynthia_h]

Worm castings can be used immediately, no worries. However, a little goes a long way, so you can help more plants than you'd think!

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

[PunkRotten]

Nice. I am really glad to have it right now.