Worms are no longer exclusively for fishing. The practices for breeding and using worms (vermicomposting and vermiculture) have gained increased interest in recent years.
They provide the easiest, cheapest, and most efficient method to reduce waste and improve soil quality for gardening. As such, these techniques have garnered the attention of both environmentalists and gardeners.
The worms that are used for composting are not the same ones that can be obtained in gardens or yards. Garden worms and night crawlers (lumbricus terrestrius) are not commonly used for composting or vermiculture because they do not thrive or propagate in captivity.
Rather, two species, eisenia foetida and lumbricus rubellis are the primary composting vermiculture species. Commonly referred to as red worms or red wigglers, these worms are brighter and smaller than most night crawlers, and unlike other species, red wigglers flourish in captivity, reproducing at a rapid pace.
Obtaining these worms is not difficult. Most people buy them from vermi-suppliers, but they are also commonly found in bait and fishing supply shops.
Where to Buy Composting Worms
The best place to buy high-quality vermicomposting worms is from reputable breeders. There are literally thousands of them dealing both online and offline, so there is a chance that a local breeder could save you some postage. You don’t need too many worms to start, so postage is not usually too much, regardless. Most sites sell worms by weight. Keep in mind that 1 pound of worms equals approximately 1,000 wigglers.
Find composting worms and other composting or vermicomposting supplies at Clean Air Gardening, an online store dedicated to supplying lawn & garden products.
Red Worm Composting not only sells worms in various packages to meet customers’ needs, but also has a wealth of information about vermicomposting.
Garden Worms is a professional outfit that sells the worms you’ll need and also has many other gardening related items like books and kits.
Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm has more of a country-style, laid back site where you can find worms for sale and a wealth of information about vermicomposting and breeding.
Acme Worm Farm is a semi-professional business whose website may not be very informative, but whose prices are often more competitive than others.
Worm Man’s Worm Farm does not lack a variety of worms for different uses. This is not a specialty outlet for vermicomposting, but a general store for worms.
While his website may be difficult to navigate, The Worm Dude offers great products and resources.
Vermiculture for the urban lifestyle is the specialty of the two girls known as Urban Worm Girl.
Based in Idaho, Mother Earth’s Farm serves the northwest region as a vermiculture site and club.
And, don’t miss Find Worms. If all else fails, this site will not be without use. It is a worm locator with a catalogue of worm sellers and sources for many parts of the globe.
Looking after worms in a home composting system is straightforward, entertaining, and Conserves a considerable amount of money, landfill space, and time. Every gardener ought to consider vermicomposting.