How to Make a Worm Bed for Fishing Worms

A functioning, cinder block fishing worm bed

A worm bed for fishing worms is simple to make and requires very few materials. It is a fun project for children and calls for very little maintenance. A worm bed is also an excellent way to recycle food scraps, grass clippings, newspapers and compost. Making a worm bed for fishing worms is a project that can save an avid fisherman a lot of money.

Things You'll Need

• Cinder blocks Plastic lining Shredded newspaper Organic fertilizer (horse, cow, poultry and rabbit manure) Water Worms

Instructions

1. 

   Choose a location for your fishing worm bed. Consider the size of worm bed you plan to build when choosing a location. It is also a good idea to choose a location that is not in direct sunlight all day long. This will make it easier to keep moisture in the worm bed.

2. Form the walls of your fishing worm bed by creating a square with your cinder blocks. A cinder block measures approximately 6 inches high, 4 inches wide and 8 inches long. Butt the ends of the cinder blocks together, making sure that the edges match up well.

3. Line the inside of the cinder blocks with thick landscaping plastic. This can be cut to size or folded to size. The plastic should cover the bottom and all of the sides.

4. Soak shredded newspaper or cardboard in water. Shake off the excess water and place the paper inside the fishing worm bed. Fill the worm bed halfway with paper.

5. Pour enough manure over the shredded paper to fill the fishing worm bed to the top, and mix well. Add a little water to the mixture, but avoid making it soggy.

6. Add worms to the fishing worm bed and let nature take its course.

7. Cover the top of the fishing worm bed. This can be done by laying plastic across the top of the cinder blocks. You could also use a piece of plywood for the cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn beds once a month to aerate. Recycled food scraps, egg shells, grass clippings, leaves and straw make excellent food for worms. Egg shells provide needed calcium for your worms. To make harvesting easier, feed worms at only one end of the worm bed.

• To keep worms alive and help them grow in size, keep the worm bed slightly moist. Don't mix feed into soil. Allow it to sit on top of the worm bed. Do not seal the fishing worm bed up with a cover. Worms need air. Acid can kill worms. Check pH levels often, and maintain a pH of 7 or 8.

Resources

• Worm Bedding
• Fishing With Worms