I received a novel of an email the other day about worm compost and european nightcrawlers, so I will condense the questions and answer them here. :-)
Do European Nightcralwers process food as quickly as redworms?
Yes.
Can I combine European Nightcrawlers and Red Wigglers in the same bin?
Yes. They will enjoy each other's company nicely.
You can buy european nightcrawlers
here.
What temperature should a worm compost bin be for optimal conditions?
Red Wigglers thrive in temperatures between 55-77 degrees F.
European Nightcrawlers do well with temperatures between 45 and 80 degrees F.
What is the ideal ph for worms?
Worms thrive in a ph between 6 and 7. To me, ph is important because I have a lot of little lives on the line. I have read that worms can tolerate ph between 4.5 and 8, but that has not been my experience at all. I have had major losses at anything above 7.5 (too alkaline), though it does seem that the worms can tolerate a slightly more acidic environment.
Why aren't my worms breeding?
It may take several weeks or even a couple of months for worms to adjust to their new bin and begin to breed. I have noticed in my worm compost bins at the warehouse that the worms come to the top of the bin to breed and eat, and then they lay their eggs at the bottom of the bin where it is more moist. I have had my stock for several months and I am just now starting to see what I believe is my first round of baby worms bred at home. Something I did with my kitchen compost bin was to lay very wet corrugated cardboard along the bottom of the bottom tray of the Gusanito worm bin. The worms went for it immediately and it was clear that they were breeding in there. They like the holes in the corrugation and it makes it easy for them to find each other in the wide-world to make worm babies.
As long as your bin is thriving, doesn't smell bad, is starting to produce worm compost, is disposing of your kitchen compost, and is relatively pest-free, you don't need to be frustrated with lack of numbers. I wish my worms would double their numbers every couple of weeks, too, but it just takes a little time. The at home worm farmer using an indoor worm bin and kitchen compost who isn't having problems should be considered a success; just give it a little time!
Where to buy red wigglers?
Where to buy european nightcrawlers?
You know the answer. Can you say google tag? :-)
Good worming!
Here's a few articles you may enjoy:
Setting Up & Harvesting Your Own Worm Composting Bin – Passionate ... - My good rich compost! I began my own composting bin this past February using the helpful starting kit offered through Azure Standard. It is actually a.
Verms, Baby. Verms. · miserablebliss... - Vermicomposting is a super-wicked-easy way to compost. It's fast, it's active year 'round, there's no odour and, best of all, you don't have to haul your scraps outside to do it. The first step is to build yourself a “worm bin” to house ...
Building a compost bin - Building a compost bin is easy, makes a great family project, helps the environment, and makes for beautiful and rich gardens. Learn to build one yourself.
