Deciding to start your own worm composting bin, also known as vermicomposting, is rather simple to setup and maintain if done correctly. You will need to make a choice of which red worm you want to use for composting as there are a several to choose from, each with its own characteristics. Below is some basic information to assist you in choosing the correct composting worm for your own personal needs.
Red Wiggler Worms - Great If Primary Purpose Is Composting.
Red wigglers, also known as red wriggler worms, are said by many to be the best composting worm. Realistically they are very prolific and are easy to raise in a bin since they will basically take to their new environment right from the start where as your nightcrawlers usually try to wander more until they settle in.
The red wiggler prefers temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and is the smallest of the compost worms. They will eat your basic vegetable and fruit scraps turning it into “Black Gold” or worm castings. They will survive well in simple bedding made of shredded cardboard and newspapers.
African Nightcrawlers – Great Worm If Primary Purpose Is For Both Composting And / Or Fishing.
These are a superior worm with a dual purpose. They not only eat more than the other red worms but also make an excellent fishing worm growing to lengths of 8 to 10 inches long. They are very prolific and one of the hardiest worms to raise.
African Nightcrawlers worm castings are different looking as well as feeling than other red worms. The castings are darker yet lighter and fluffier. There is no difference in the worm castings when it comes to microorganism’s growth or PH levels.
The African Nightcrawler is more heat tolerant and prefers temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They will eat your basic vegetable and fruit scraps turning it into “Black Gold” or worm castings. They will survive well in simple bedding made of shredded cardboard and newspapers.
European Nightcrawlers - Great For Those Who’s Primary Purpose Is Fishing.
This is one of the favorites of fishermen. They also do a good job composting your scraps; however they are not as good as the Red Wiggler or African Nightcrawlers.
These nightcrawlers grow to about 3 to 4 inches in length and can tolerate cooler water temperatures. The European Nightcrawler is also the only red worm which can survive a while being fished in brackish water which also classifies them as a hardy worm to raise.
European Nightcrawlers prefer a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They will eat your basic vegetable and fruit scraps turning it into “Black Gold” or worm castings. They will survive well in simple bedding made of shredded cardboard and newspapers.
Alabama Jumpers - Great For Fishing & Yard… Garden Composting.
The Alabama Jumper is a unique composting worm being it does not do well raised in bins however prefers clay and sandy soils due to the tougher skin they have. This enables them to borough through hard packed clay without a problem.
They do not eat vegetable scraps but rather carbon based products, i.e. hay, shredded cardboard, leaves… Alabama Jumpers live up to its name by wiggling so quickly and violently it will actually leap out of your hand. With this type of action, think about what it will do when placed in front of a fish.
Alabama Jumpers will migrate eventually throughout your yard and or garden areas, leaving worm castings towards the surface. They will not harm plants or their roots however will aerate the soil.
Alabama Jumpers can tolerate as far north as Tennessee. When the colder weather comes, they will borough below the frost levels… These are a very easy worm to raise since they have minimal needs.
There you have it, the basic information needed when selecting “composting worms” which will work best for you!
Bruce Galle also known as “The Worm Expert“ has been involved with Vermicomposting and assisting others over the years. Bruce is also the founder of Organic Worm Farm, where he personally raises and sells several worm species for composting and fishing: http://OrganicWormFarm.com/store
My grandson wants to raise worms. I have found on this site the ph level and temps for some worms. I need to know what is the best temp for the Alabama Jumper and the Canadian Nightcrawler. Also what is the most desirable moisture level for each worm.
Thank you so much for this information.
Steve
Great to hear your grandson wants to raise some worms.
As for the Alabama Jumpers, I checked my temperature this morning and it was 77 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the bedding. This seems to work great as I have not posted since I only found them this evening when adding some worm chow, but I have a number of new hatchlings in there. I have dedicated a blog you can read more on solely for Alabama Jumpers. Moisture for them should be slightly less moist as red wigglers, about 60% moisture.
One important factor is the bedding material. If you decide you want to order some Alabama Jumpers contact me via the toll free number listed where you order worms as I can set you up with some.
As for the Canadian nightcrawlers, I have not raised even though many have bragged about them as they are sluggish although very large. I am more impressed with the African nightcrawler for both composting and fishing. The African nightcrawler is not as large as the Canadian nightcrawler, however is much livelier as well as hardier.
The moisture for the African nightcrawler should be about 70%. They are more heat tolerant hence you want the temperature at 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bruce