Worm experts know that when you plan on raising compost worms, four vital components should always be kept in mind. For you to be able to raise and breed healthy and thriving worm composting worms, it will best to go accordingly:
- obtain a worm compost bin
- prepare and gather moist bedding materials
- prepare organic worm feed
- and select the best choice of compost worm.
Anyone who's into raising worms for composting should know that acquiring a worm composter is essential. The worm composting bin will be your worms make-shift home. It won't be as authentic as their natural habitat but you'll still need to make it feel and look as natural as possible. And since you'll need to contain them, make sure that you use a container that is opaque in shade (worms love the dark and despise bright lights mainly due to them being born without eyes), and is at least 12 inches deep to avoid compaction (the depth of the bin shouldn't go beyond this). Aside from this, holes should also be drilled around the bin (top and bottom areas) so that these may serve as aeration and drainage passage. Now, compost bins can also range from wooden containers to plastic bins. You can even use your old Rubbermaid tub or plastic trash can if you have any stored at home.
You'll also need some organic bedding for your compost worms. This will actually be the main setting for your crawlers. Now it is important that you keep the bedding as moist as possible (being not too dry nor too wet). Worms (red wiggler worms or any other worm specie) are only able to breathe through their skin. Since they've been born without lungs, their skin functions in replacement of it. Besides a moist bedding, compost worms can also eat off of these since the worm bed is also composed of organic materials.
Organic worm food should be the third priority in the vermicomposting list. Worms can also feed on bacteria (those that actually grow on their food). Other than that, finding something to feed your worms won't be a problem since you no longer have to raid the market for any. Worms can be fed with just the scraps from your kitchen or yard. But of course, you will still need to select what they can eat since not everything is good for their digestion (such as dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, etc.).
When raising compost worms, choosing which worm to use is essential. The most favored when it comes to vermicomposting would be the red wiggler worms (they've been recognized to be more efficient when it comes to breaking down decomposing materials). But you can always choose to use European nightcrawlers as a second option. Although these worms are preferably used as bait for fish.
James Shaw is an organic gardener and a worm enthusiast. He has been raising worm for over 50 years at Uncle Jims Worm Farm. Read more of his worm farming tips by visiting http://unclejimswormfarm.com.
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