Posts Tagged ‘composting’

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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African Nightcrawler Cocoons are now available.  These little gems can ship all year long and are a great economical way to get your worm herd starded!   African Nightcrawlers are great composters and bait worms.  They consume organic material quicker than the average red worms.

Under the right conditions, the hatch rate on 800 cocoons is 80%.   These cocoons can hatch over 2,000 African Nightcrawlers for a fraction of the price of purchasing the worms.   If you have questions about raising African Nightcrawlers feel free to contact us.  You can find them here in our shopping cart.

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Are you looking for a way to make a difference? We have just launched our new school support system. If you would like to help a school of your choice purchase worm composting products to teach kids about the importance of recycling and things they can do to help reduce waste, then this is your chance. You can now purchase gift certificates for a school or teacher in your area. We will help them choose a system that will fit their needs and provide full support to help them get started.

If the school is located in Snohomish County, WA, we will travel to the school to deliver the items to the classroom and teach the students and teacher how to set up the bins and care for the worms. If you are located oustside of Snohomish County, we offer full phone support to the teachers and students. We have helped many schools and people all over the country get started with composting worms. Northwest Wigglers will also send you a thank you card with a 10% off coupon for any Northwest Wigglers products on behalf of the school and let you know how your donation has contributed to the success of the students.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about this program.

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