You can receive a complimentary copy of our Composting guide sheet when you buy our 2000 or 4000 compost worms, or you have the option to download the digital version for just $5.⬇️
(Shipping Days Monday and Tuesday)
Compost Worm
( Eisenia fetida)
Also known as manure worm, redworm, tiger worm, red wiggler worm, and others, is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. Worms like rotting vegetation, compost, and manure.
Red wigglers have a reddish-brown body with small rings around it and a yellowish tail. They have groups of bristles (called setae) on each segment that move in and out to grip nearby surfaces as the worms stretch and contract their muscles to push themselves forward or backward.
Red tigers consume food waste as well as other organic materials such as leaves and paper. Their byproducts, known as castings and liquid tea, are collected and used as fertiliser in your garden, ideal for worm farms, but they can also be found in the garden. Worms only consume dead and decaying matter; they do not consume living plants. They don't have teeth or jaws to chomp on your root vegetables.
The most common type of worm used for composting is the red wiggler or red worm, also known as "composting worms." They are well suited for composting because they can quickly consume a large amount of organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and moisture levels. They are also highly effective at decomposing and converting organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. Other worms, such as nightcrawlers, could also be used.
The lifespan of a composting worm can vary depending on its living conditions and the species of worm, but most composting worms live for around 1-2 years.
Red wigglers can live for up to two years and breed quickly in ideal conditions. Composting worms can reach maturity and begin breeding within 60-90 days of hatching under ideal temperature, moisture, and food conditions. They can lay 1-2 cocoons per week, each with 2-20 eggs. This means that a small worm population can quickly grow to a large population, allowing for continuous composting and nutrient production and making them ideal for your worm farm.
Is It OK to Put Worms in a Compost Bin? 🪱
Yes! When you add composting worms to a compost bin, they consume the organic matter and convert it into nutrient-rich compost.
When adding worms to a compost bin, you must provide them with the proper conditions, such as a balance of moisture, temperature, and food. A compost bin should not be too wet or too dry, and the temperature should be between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for red wigglers. You should also mix the compost on a regular basis to ensure that the worms have access to fresh food and oxygen.
We suggest starting with a small number of worms and gradually increasing the population as it grows. This will allow the worms to adjust to their new environment and avoid overcrowding the compost bin.
Can You Put Composting Worms in the Garden? 🪱
Yes, composting worms can be added to a garden to help improve soil health and fertility. This is also known as vermiculture or vermicomposting. Worms can be directly added to the soil or placed in a worm bin near the garden. Compost worms break down organic matter in the soil, such as fallen leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps, and convert it into nutrient-rich compost.
This compost can then be used to boost the soil and supply nutrients to plants. Worm castings, which are worm excrement, can also be collected and used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and fertility.