Below is some basic information to assist you in choosing the correct composting worm for your own personal needs.
Red Wiggler Worms-- Fantastic If Main Objective Is Vermicomposting.
Red wrigglers also known as red wigglers are the best compost worm when it comes to assisting in the breakdown of food scraps. They are quick to take hold to their new surroundings, usually staying together rather than wandering off seperately.
They prefer a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit range. Do not let the small size of these worms fool you as they can eat half their body weight each and every day. They will eat your basic vegetable and fruit scraps, turning them into "Black Gold" or worm castings. They will survive well in simple bedding made of shredded cardboard and newspapers.
African Nightcrawler Worms -- Great Worm If Primary Object Is for Both Composting and or Angling.
African nightcrawlers are a hardy worm for both composting and fishing Not only do they have a ferocious appetite, but grow to lengths of 6-8 inches reacing as large as 12 inches. They reproduce very rapidly under the correct conditions however take approximately eight months to reach 7-8 inches in length.
African nightcrawlers worm castings are different looking as well as feeling than other red worms. The castings are darker yet lighter and fluffier. There is no difference in the worm castings when it comes to microorganism's growth or PH levels.
The African nightcrawler is more heat tolerant and prefers temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They will eat your basic vegetable scraps, however make a better manure worm otherwise use Worm Chow as a supplement, changing the materials into Black Gold. They do appreciate shredded newspaper more than other worms, eating through it like a machine.
European Nightcrawlers- Splendid for Those Whose Main Reason Is Fishing.
Even though a favorite of many fishermen, there are other worms which under the right conditions can out produce the European.. These worms will work for composting, however do not compare to the African nightcrawler nor red wiggler worms for this purpose.
These nightcrawlers grow to about 3 to 4 inches in length and can tolerate cooler water temperatures. The European nightcrawler is also the only red worm that can survive while being fished in brackish water, which also classifies them as a hardy worm to raise.
European nightcrawlers prefer a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They will eat basic vegetable scraps however to fatten for fishing it is best to supplement some Purina Worm Chow.
Alabama Jumper Worms-- Splendid for Fishing, Yard and Garden Composting.
Alabama Jumpers can be raised in bins however the right conditions need to be met in order for them to be prolific in captivity, however do extremely well in clay and sandy soils in compost piles outside due to their tough outer skin. This allows them to penetrate even the hardest packed clay soil and sandy soils escaping harm which would kill off other worms.
They do eat vegetable scraps as well as carbon-based products, i.e. hay, shredded cardboard, leaves. Living up to its name, the Alabama Jumpers, AKA Georgia Jumpers, Wigglers, will wiggle so hard and fast they become a recoiled spring, hence jumping right out of your hand. Wiggling as hard as these worms do, just imagine what they look like to the fish.
When composting outside, your Alabama Jumpers will spread out throughout your yard or garden area over time as they reproduce in numbers, coming to the surface to feed and leaving the worm castings behind. As they continue to work the soil they aerate it and will not harm your plants nor the roots of your plants.
Alabama jumpers can tolerate as far north as Tennessee. When the colder weather comes, they will burrow below the frost levels.
Hopefully this information helps you in choosing the right compost worm based on your individual needs!
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