Composting Worms

 What types of Composting Worms Should I Use?

Composting worms are not your average earth worm. The earth worms you can dig up in your own back yard are an important part of the eco-system but they are completely unsuited for worm composting; which is sometimes called vermicomposting.

All good composting worm breeds have several traits not found in the common earth worm. To be effective vermicomposting worms a worm breed needs to; be able to live in dense colonies, prefer making their home in airy bedding material instead of soil, reproduce quickly, and have a massive appetite for decaying organic matter.

Fortunately for us there are several types of worms suitable for worm composting. But before you rush out and order a couple pounds of worms it is important to learn what types of composting worms will work best for you. Some are small while others are the size of night crawlers. Some breeds are extremely tolerant of cold weather compared to others that flourish only in warm climates.

Before purchasing worms take a little time to learn about different breeds of composting worms before you set up your worm farm. This will make your worm farming experienc successful and a lot more fun.

Red Wigglers the Composting Worm Champ

Red worms are perhaps the most popular choice for composting worms. The official breed name is Eisenia Fetida but they go by many names; which can sometimes be confusing. They are often called red wigglers, tiger worms, and trout worms. 

No matter what you call them red worms are hard to beat as composting worms. They are tolerate to both heat and cold and can consume massive amounts of organic waste matter quickly. No wonder these hardy worms are considered champions of the composting worms.

Red worms also make great worms to make a bit of money with. They are popular as bait worms and are often used to produce worm castings or vermiculture.

If you think red worms are the right choice for you learn a lot more about them here on our Red Worm page.

European Night Crawlers

Another good pick for composting worms are the European Night crawler, or the Eisenia Hortensis. These worms are often called Belgian Night crawlers, ENCs, and Euros. While not as common as red worms the European Night Crawler is quickly gaining popularity in composting bins.

Besides being great compost worms Euros make outstanding bait worms; they don't need to be refrigerated. So if you choose to use European Night crawlers as your composting worms don't be surprised if anglers ask you to sell them some.

African Night Crawlers

The African Night crawler, or the Eudrilus Eugeniae, are sometimes simply called ANCs. The African Night Crawler is another popular breed of composting worm. Native to warmer climates the ANC does a nice job composting and breeds well if kept in warmer temperatures. Due to it's vulnerability to colder weather African Night Crawlers need special care when raised in northern climates.

Like the European Night Crawler the African Night Crawler is a great bait worm making the breed a good choice for composters in warmer climates that may want to branch out and make some money selling bait worms.

African Night Crawlers are not suited for all worm farms. So before you consider using them as your composting worms make sure and learn more about them on our African Night Crawler page here.

Blue Worms

Blue worms or the Perionyx Excavatus can process lots of organic material and are becoming more popular as a composting worm. Blue worms are often called Malaysian blue worms or Indian blues. Like the African Night Crawler the blue worm loves warm temperatures and does best in warm weather. So if you plan on using the blue worm as a composting worm they need to stay warm. Unlike Night Crawlers blue worms stay small, about two inches long.

Blue worms are not right for every worm farm, so if you plan on using blue worms as your main composting worm learn more about them at our Blue Worm page here.

Alabama Jumper

 The Alabama Jumper, Amynthas Gracilis, is yet another popular composting worm. The Alabama Jumper is a good compost worm and since it can grow to six inches long it can pull double duty as a bait worm. Once again you are dealing with a worm that thrives in tropic and sub-tropic climates. So if you live in northern regions plan on using them indoors or at least in a heated outdoor bin.

Since Alabama Jumpers need at least a sub-tropic climate they can pose a challenge for some worm farms. Learn more about these worms at our Alabama Jumper page here.

Dendrodes (Dendrodrilus  Rubidus)

The Dendrode is more common to Europe, or Great Britain. However it has made in roads into North America where it is suspected of having a negative impact in eco-systems where there are little natural worm populations.

The Dendrode is a capable composting worm and pulls double duty as a bait worm. However potential worm farmers should understand the environmental impact these worms may have.   

Now that you learned a little about the various types of composting worms you probably have an idea of which composting worms may be best for your worm farm.

But before you make your final decision be sure and visit each detailed page for each breed to learn more about preferred habitats, compatibility with other breeds, and reproduction rates fo the various worms. 

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