Worming 101

[xmobotx]

yeah & they really like melons/squash. those wet the bin pretty good too

 

[NWNR]

I applied my own castings for the first time today as a top dress to my veg girls. Not only do they look super happy but it made me smile knowing the forethought during the off season to start my own bins has come full circle and only begun it's reward. Almost 4 months ago I started one bin with 500 worms. It's now expanded and providing ample worms and castings. Definitely worth the minimal effort to anyone considering starting their own quality castings.

 

[wasgedn]

i take care of this garden since 3 years now...since im there ,there is permaculture and no dumping of leafs and so much other dumb stuff of civilization...all stay there...got many compost piles...

but what i wanna say...the worms are just everywhere in that garden now...its a pleasure

 

[atticflowers]

Great info here Thanks for sharing!

 

[Stoney Johnson]

 

[CannaRed]

Went outside today and hunted for wild earthworm castings. Jackpot!!!. Just look under anything!! Under stepping Stones, rocks, leaves, rain barrel. They were everywhere. I'm going to make a bin so I can feed the worms a more nutritional diet, but these ewc's have all the local microbes. Can't get more local than your own yard.

 

[Patmando22]

Thats how you do it cannared wild worming !

 

[bismu]

Went outside today and hunted for wild earthworm castings. Jackpot!!!. Just look under anything!! Under stepping Stones, rocks, leaves, rain barrel. They were everywhere. I'm going to make a bin so I can feed the worms a more nutritional diet, but these ewc's have all the local microbes. Can't get more local than your own yard.

True but that is not all that ewc bring to the party, remember that composting worms (what is used for ewc ) are different and the casting that each produce cannot be substituted for a the other.

 

[h.h.]

The advantage of red wigglers is that they don't leave the bin. Being smaller, they have more mouths per pound. They are better for the job. Don't take it any further. Worm poop depends on the health of your worms and microlife. Use any breed that works.

 

[CannaRed]

True but that is not all that ewc bring to the party, remember that composting worms (what is used for ewc ) are different and the casting that each produce cannot be substituted for a the other.

Other than the microbes, and the nutritional value what else is there? Not being smartass, really trying to learn.

I guessing you mean it's just different levels of microbes in each species castings?

I always hear everyone say it's better to get local ewc so the microbes match your environment. If i order composting worms, they aren't local. Maybe I should add my wild castings to my work bin, once it's up and running? Thanks for your help!

 

[CannaRed]

Got another question. If I were to order non local worms, and then add my homemade local compost (along with it's native microbes) to the work bin, does that make the castings local, or are the microbes already in the worms and their ratios do not change?

 

[bismu]

Other than the microbes, and the nutritional value what else is there? Not being smartass, really trying to learn.

I guessing you mean it's just different levels of microbes in each species castings?

I always hear everyone say it's better to get local ewc so the microbes match your environment. If i order composting worms, they aren't local. Maybe I should add my wild castings to my work bin, once it's up and running? Thanks for your help!

The difference that I was referring to, (at least in my own backyard) is that normal backyard earthworms deposit clay based castings, (this may be different for others) where ewc from red wrigglers from your own bin or a trusted farmer is primarily humic material. So when setting up a new container of soil, each type of ewc will act different; so just be aware and adjust your mix accordingly.

 

[bismu]

I think I quoted the wrong post above.... ya’ll can figure it out though....

 

[Patmando22]

Thanks for the knowledge worm brother

 

[h.h.]

The red wigglers will dwell on the surface, while the earthworms will get further into the subsoil. This may cause some differences in the droppings.

While I subscribe to the theory of acquiring local microbes, it isn't anything to get hung up on. They're in the air and the soil. They'll find their way to the party. It helps to get the party started first and to serve refreshments that they recognize. Local garden waste and local produce. Again, not to get hung up. Local is best,but not always possible.
Your microbe population will quickly adapt to their environment. I mean faster than it took you to ask the question.

 

[CannaRed]

The difference that I was referring to, (at least in my own backyard) is that normal backyard earthworms deposit clay based castings, (this may be different for others) where ewc from red wrigglers from your own bin or a trusted farmer is primarily humic material. So when setting up a new container of soil, each type of ewc will act different; so just be aware and adjust your mix accordingly.

Thanks h.h. Very good point. I will add that to my notes!

 

[h.h.]

Edit: The vendor e-mailed this morning. The post office repackaged these worms using several plastic bags. The fault is on the post office and maybe the original packaging. I believe I was shipped good quality worms.
Post office worm order. Fail.

 

[Patmando22]

Ew

 

[h.h.]

Sorry for the graphics. The smell was a bit overwhelming.
It was just a black gooey mess of dead worms, but mostly is was just black..The few survivors were struggling hard.
It came out of the box wrapped in several post office plastic bags, suggesting that perhaps the PO repackaged everything.

I'll see if they issue a refund.
I usually buy from Uncle Jim's. Best price and healthy looking worms. Thought I'd try somebody different.

 

[Patmando22]

Uncle jims for the win