Earthworm Dig Garden

Whether you want to raise worms to aid in making compost or want a steady source for fishing bait, creating a garden from which to dig out worms is a relatively simple task.

Creating the Environment

Worms need temperatures well above freezing to survive.

Worms do best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees F. If this is not achievable in your environment, they can survive in temperatures between 40 degrees and 90 degrees F.

How To

Most of the items needed to created your worm garden are easily accessible. Start with a bin or container that you have added drainage holes to, and add a layer of bedding with shredded newspaper or cardboard. Wet the bedding material thoroughly.

Feeding the Worms

After your worms are in their new home, you will need to feed them to help them thrive. Kitchen scraps such as fruits and vegetable finely ground are a great source of nutrients for your worm garden. Avoid meat, dairy and oily sources of food. Once you have created an ideal environment for them, they should continue to thrive and reproduce for many years.

References

• University of Illinois Extension; Chicago Urban Gardening: Start Worm Composting this Winter; Ron Wolford; January 2011
• Texas A & M University; Home Worm Production; Mary Appelhof; 1982
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Worm Composting; Amy Dabbs; July 2009
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension; Vermicomposting: Composting With Worms; Soni Cochran; 2008