Different Worm Species- Why red wigglers?

Different Worm Species: Why do I recommend red wigglers for indoor composting?

I get this question pretty regularly, or one of the related questions:

• Can I mix different worm species?

• Can I use wild caught worms from my yard or compost pile?

The best way to begin this is to consider the conditions various worm species require to thrive. 

 

The earthworm species most often used for composting are red wigglers (Eisenia foetida or Eisenia andrei). Red wigglers are ideally suited to the indoor compost bin: they prefer soil temperatures that are in the same range as the air temperatures where we are comfortable (65-75F), tolerate mixing and lots of food in their environment, reproduce rapidly, and consume a lot of food relative to their size. Eisenia worms can be found in old manure piles, but are not commonly found in yards in the northern US. Personally, I would not want to pick a pound of red wigglers out of a manure pile (and hope that I didn't grab any other critters) to start an indoor bin, but it could be done.

Although common nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terrestris) and field worms (Diplocardia or Octolasion) may be easily found in your yard, they are not recommended for indoor worm bin operations. These worms burrow deeper than most bins allow and generally require cooler temperatures than typical for the indoor environment.  Also, because they build burrows, they do not tolerate mixing (surface feeding is recommended) and may require dietary supplementation of corn meal or other foods to thrive. Indoor vermicomposting with nightcrawlers is a method that others use with success. If you're interested in trying night crawlers, I can refer you to experts who can help you on your way.

Because different worm species have different requirements, I do not suggest mixing worm species in your worm bin. If conditions become unsuitable for one species, they may die or leave your bin. 

 

In general, I recommend red wigglers for people interested in vermicomposting indoors. You really can't go wrong with a simple bin and a pound of bed run red wigglers.

Cheers,

Mark