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Kokomo, Indiana

I've heard different stories from different people. Some say red worms are the top choice to get castings from to make tea. Others say earth worms are. Does it make a difference which one to use? I mean poop is poop right? Since I was bored and wanted spend time outside, I went and picked a good 200 earthworms cause it was nice and warm out. What do yall think? Any suggestions?

4/9/2011 11:49:48 PM

Portsmouth, RI

For composting, (making worm castings for tea) you need red worms. Regular earth worms you find in your garden soil will die in a worm bin. You can find red worms in a compost pile, old manure pile, they are much smaller than the earth worms. I suggest do an internet search on worm composting. Bob

4/10/2011 8:35:50 AM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Not all castings are created equal. The input can slightly influence casting quality but in most cases the tea being made will be excellent. So the poop is poop train of thought could be correct for making teas.

However, if you are planning on manipulating the process of casting production, there are a variety of ways to "make castings".

Red wigglers will 'vermicompost' organic materials (grass clippings, plant scraps, manures, etc..) very well if the conditions are right.

Canadian Nightcrawlers are a difficult worm to use for composting.

European Nightcrawlers are fairly easy to use for excellent casting production (the best IMHO) but not a top choice for composting.

The 200 earthworms you picked up should be identified then researched a bit to see if they will work for you.

John

4/10/2011 10:36:11 AM

Williamsburg,KY

I have heard that earthworms will die in a bin, because they will burrow themselves to death. Redworms feed on top.

4/14/2011 8:41:44 AM

Kokomo, Indiana

Thanks guys. Starting out with 200 red worms...thats all i can afford for the time being. earthworms were about to die out.. so i used them to catch 13 channel catfish and 1 flathead! They worked just fine =)

4/15/2011 1:17:50 PM

South Hero, VT

Earthworms are great for aerating the soil and creating pockets for water to fill/drain. They have their purpose in growing AGs, but it's not in composting organic material.

4/15/2011 7:26:46 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

I use red wigglers. They can eat about their weight everyday. Believe me when I say that youd be surprised at the amount of things that can go into the composter. The worms just love cardbord and egg shells. I only use the redwigglers they tend to eat more and give more castings. Thats just my opinion.

4/17/2011 4:34:25 PM