Archive for the ‘Worm Bins & Information’ Category

We get asked this question over and over. What is the difference between worms found in the yard and garden and worms used for composting?

Believe it or not, all worms are not created equal. There are three main types of worms, each one has different characteristics that make them unique. These unique traits are why some worms take to bins better than others. You can’t just go out in your yard, dig up some worms, and expect them to go to work for you in your new worm bin. Chances are you may not end up with great composting worms, and you may even find that the worms are escaping from the bin and do not appreciate being spoiled like our little friends the red wigglers. With an understanding of the different types of worms, you will gain a better perspective into the art of vermiculture.

Each one of the 4400 + named species of worms on earth can be broken down into these three main categories:

Anecic (Greek for “out of the earth”) – these are burrowing worms that come to the surface at night to drag food down into their permanent burrows deep within the mineral layers of the soil. The common nightcrawler (also known as Canadian Nightcrawler, Dew Worm & Common Earthworm) is in this category. These worms build vertical permanent burrows that extend over six feet below the earth’s surface. Believe it or not, but these worms can actually recognize their own burrows and return to it day after day. These worms feed on decaying litter and therefore must visit the surface on a regular basis. They are solitary worms and do not like living in high worm populations.

Endogeic (Greek for “within the earth”) – these are also burrowing worms but their burrows are typically more shallow and they feed on the organic matter already in the soil. These worms are the only type of worm that will actually eat soil as well as decaying organic material. These worms rarely come to the earth’s surface and spend most of their time underground in their lateral burrow systems.

Epigeic (Greek for “upon the earth”) – these worms live in the surface litter and feed on decaying organic matter. They do not have permanent burrows. These “decomposers” are the type of worm used in vermicomposting. These are our special little garbage men that work for food. They thrive in large groups and are surface feeders, not burrowers. Red Wigglers & European Nightcrawlers are both categorized in this group of composting worms. Becuase they do not build burrows, they do well in worm bins and appreciate the constant food source and moist environments that we provide for them.

I hope this helps you to gain a little understanding of the workings of earthworms and why purchasing the right kind of worm for your bin is important to your success.

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There are a lot of little white bugs in my worm bin. What are they and will they harm my worms?

Mites are in the same category as spiders and ticks (8 Legs). White spider mites look like small white pin-heads slowly moving around in your worm bin and are very common. They move around the surface of the bedding material in bins and compost heaps. Some mites attack dead plant matter, fly larvae, springtails, and even other mites.

Mites tend to thrive in high moisture conditions. They prefer fruits and vegetables with a high water content. The presence of a large population of mites in a worm bin can indicate that the worms are being overfeed or the PH level in the bin is dropping.

Try adding some crushed egg shells to help balance the PH. To help reduce the populations in your bin, try adding a slice of bread to the surface of the worm bed. The mites will gather on the bread and you can discard them or throw them out in your compost pile. White spider mites are just one more composting critter in your worm bin that helps to break down the food. They will not harm your worms.

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Northwest Wigglers is proud to add the WORM INN to our product list of  worm composting bins.  This is a wonderful design that is made from breathable materials.  Keep it in your kitchen, your laundry room, or your garage.  With the Worm Inn you don’t need to bend down to feed your red wigglers.  Hang it at hip level for easy filling.  Just pull the draw string on the bottom to release the castings.

Continuous flow worm bins are built with the worms habits  in mind.  Composting worms are top dwelling worms.  As your worms consume the material in the bin, you will be adding your new food and bedding to the top of the bin.  The worms will keep moving upward and leave their castings behind on the bottom of the bin.  This method is a low maintenance way to harvest castings and care for your worms.  Check out the Worm Inn here!

Worm Inn Flower Power

Worm Inn Green

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