Have you ever wondered what the best worms are for your
garden? There are many benefits to having them, but which ones can give
you the most benefits? This article will shed some light on our wriggly little garden friends and help you understand their benefits.
In North America, we have about 180 species of earthworms, and
approximately 4,000 species worldwide. They play a critical
role in breaking down and decomposing plants and other organic material in our
yard, garden, and compost pile. In their wake, they also leave nutrient-dense
waste (called “castings”) which is second to none when it comes to improving
your soil.
Earthworms can be divided into three groups, each having unique
characteristics. Anecic worms play an important role in soil formation and
leaf decomposition by pulling leaves into their deep vertical permanent
burros. These are also known as nightcrawlers. Endogeic worms build lateral
burrows in the soil and have little effect on the surface as they are the
only worms that prefer to eat large amounts of soil rich in organic material.
They also play a role in the aeration and decomposition of dead plant
roots. Epigeic worms, which include the common red wiggler, live on top of the soil eating rotting organic
matter, and have a high rate of reproduction. They are also commonly used in
vermicomposting systems.
As much as we love earthworms, some problems can arise in
their presence. The biggest complaint that homeowners have is that they create lumpy
surfaces in grass and other areas that people prefer to keep level (see photo to the left). On a worldwide level, humans can create issues when we introduce worm species to new places and create an
imbalance in the local ecosystems. But, generally speaking, the benefits of native earthworms far outweigh their inconveniences.
What are the main benefits to earthworms? To start, worm castings contain concentrated humus and may contain 5 times more nitrogen, 7 times
more phosphorus, and 1000 times more beneficial bacteria than the original
soil that helps plants thrive. Worms aid in soil aggregation, creating
pores for the movement of air, water, nutrients, and roots. Worms can also eat their
body weight in food a day.
So, what are some ways to attract and keep worms? In general, it is recommended to disturb the soil as little as possible because
we have learned that we can disrupt the soil food web, release precious carbon,
and more. Tilling also harms our earthworms. Reducing or eliminating tilling is
a great start to keeping earthworms in your yard or garden. Additionally, covering
the soil with mulch and organic matter on the surface will help feed the worms
as well as reduce the need for tilling and weeding.
Creating a welcoming place for earthworms in your garden, yard, and compost pile has many benefits that you can’t get anywhere else. These
little creatures offer big payoffs if you attract and keep them around. Happy
worm farming!
Don’t have the space, location, or time for an outside
compost bin? Have you heard about composting with worms (vermicomposting)?
Vermicomposting is a convenient way to dispose of vegetable peelings, paper
wastes and other organic materials. Worms eat the organic materials and create
great compost, which is recycled into rich dark soil conditioner. The worm
compost can be used for gardens and house plants to feed and nurture your
plants.
Compost worm – 4 main
species 1 Eisenia fetida (Tiger); 2.Dendrobaena venta (Blue Noses); 3.
Lumbricus rubellus (red wiggler); 4. Eisenia Andrei (Reg Tiger)
Earthworker worm most likely
seen in your garden, busy at work tilling the soil making it airier and nicer
for plants to grow in.
Root Dwelling worms are deep
burrowers, inhabiting the areas around plant roots, rich with decaying roots
and fungi and are widespread in farmlands. You won't see these worms, as they
never venture above ground.
The best types of worms for
vermicomposting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and redworms (Lumbricus
rubellus). These two species make great worms for the compost bin because they
prefer a compost environment to plain soil, and they are very easy to keep.
Worms that feed on vegetable waste, compost, and organic bedding produce richer
casting than those that feed on plain soil. You won’t find red wigglers in
garden soil. You may find red worms in compost, under rotting logs, and in
other organic situations. The problem is identifying them. You won’t be able to
tell the difference between Lumbricus rubellus and other worms, so it’s best to
buy them. If you don’t have a local supplier, you can order them on the
Internet. It takes one pound of worms (1,000 individuals) to start a good-sized
compost bin.
Location
for Worm Bin
Where will you be keeping your worm bin? Worms thrive in
temperatures between 55F and 77F degrees.
Indoors
- A well-tended worm bin is odorless. You can keep it in a pantry, utility
room, or under the kitchen sink. A garage, basement, or carport is also a
potential site.
Outdoors
- The north side of a structure (such as a house, shed, or garage) is
preferred, because temperatures there don’t fluctuate as much. The bin also
needs protection from rain and wind. Place it under the eaves or a deck or
build a cover that repels rain but still allows good air circulation. An
outdoor bin must also be secured against rodents, raccoons, and other animals.
You may choose to place your worm bin
outside during the warmer months and bring it in undercover during the cooler
months.
It is okay to touch and handle worms
with your bare hands as you work with them. Remember that they are photophobic
(sensitive to light), so they will tend to move away from you as you add new
food waste and new bedding, or when you harvest the vermicast.
What size of bin?
To figure out the bin size you need, you
must first determine the amount of food waste your family generates in 1 week.
Your worm bin must contain 1 cubic foot of space for each pound of kitchen
waste. Note that this does not mean that the bin would always be full, but
rather that it would provide ample space for worms to work at the right
moisture and oxygen levels.
What materials do I use to build my bin?
You can use a variety of materials to
build a worm bin. Plastic totes, wooden bins, and commercial, stackable worm
towers all are popular. You also can use a shipping crate or food storage
barrel (a great way to repurpose and recycle one). Just be sure that the wood
was not treated with chemicals and that other toxic materials have not been
stored in the containers (food grade is best).
Bedding
The bedding in your worm bin provides a
balanced diet and a damp, aerated home for your
worms.
Shredded newspaper or recycled printer
paper (do not use glossy paper)
Corrugated cardboard
Straw
Coconut Fiber
Shredded leaves
Other tips for your bin
Worms need 75 to 85 percent moisture in
their bedding. Lightly mist the bedding when needed.
When feeding pull aside some bedding and
make a hole where you can put food scraps.
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