Comparing a composting worm to a common earthworm is kind of like comparing an apple to an orange. They may look similar, be the same shape, grow in a similar way etc. - but they are very different in both habitat and feeding.
When I first started out in my worm journey, I quickly became a little overwhelmed by the thousands of types of worms, and of course the Latin names that came with them. Then I realized, if I want to grow an apple tree, I'm going to identify the varieties by their common names...Empire, Cortland, McIntosh etc. Using their the Latin name was far too confusing for a simple farmer like myself.
Just like we choose the fruits & vegetables that suit us and prefer our specific climate. We must choose the right worms! While I understand the beauty and purpose of the complex variety of worms, 99% of the population needs to understand a handful of common names for worms. So for simplicity, let's talk about these worms and lets use their common name (you can look up and learn the Latin names if you're a "bookworm" 😂)
All worms will break down organic matter into compost. The main difference is how long it takes, how big do they get, and what environment is required for them to do just that.
The RED WIGGLER
The Red Wiggler is the superstar of my worm bins - and likely the most widely used worm in the vermicomposting industry for a few reasons:
They can tolerate the widest range of temperature. Temperature is a critical part of worming, and it is one the things that can be hardest to control in various climates. That is a big reason as to the Red Wigglers popularity. They are also amazing eaters! In order to get castings ASAP, we need a worm that eats alot.
Pros
- Affordable to purchase & available most everywhere
- Multiply rapidly
- Excellent eaters
- Widest climate range
Cons
- Smaller in size
- Thin skin makes them poor for soil aeration
Temperature
- Optimal Temp Range 50-80F (10-27C)
- Danger Zone <35F (2C) or >95F (35C)
[Check Worm Prices at Meme's Worms]
Unlike some other worms, Red Wigglers are just a tough worm that can handle varying moisture, temperature, and acidity levels. They can withstand handling and being moved around in the bin as we check on them. They will mostly stay in the top few inches of your bedding. This is valuable knowledge to anyone using a CFT bin because as the bin is built in layers, the worms will continually move and eat their way to the surface. This allows for the bottom castings to be raked out continuously with very few escape artists. I am also using this idea for the construction of my 1 ton bag bins. At the end of the bag, most all of the worms will have worked there way to the top of the bin and can be easily harvested to start the next bin.
The INDIAN BLUE WORM
If you live in a more tropical climate and are interested in worms for composting only, the Indian Blue Worm may be a good choice. Just like the red wiggler, the Indian blue worm is a surface dweller, and loves very high concentrations of organic matter. They are known to be travelers or try to escape, but I have found that keeping a light over bins will prevent this.
Typically "blues" will be a little smaller than the Red Wiggler, however these worms are almost identical in appearance to each other and it has been commonly known that the breeds get mixed up from time to time. I wouldnt be suprised if there are some blues mixed in with my red wigglers. It would be hard for me to tell though because i keep my bins indoors where temperatures are suitable for both.
Even though they do the same job, the frustration comes from other worm farmers when they want one or the other because of the climate they are in and get a mixture unintentionally when sourcing worms. The biggest difference between the two is that the blues thrive in a tropical environment with good shade for protection from the sun.
Pros
- Affordable to purchase & available most everywhere
- Suited for warmer climates
- Multiply rapidly
- Excellent eaters
Cons
- Smaller in size
- Tendenacy to travel or try to escape
- Thin skin makes them poor for soil aeration
- Cannot tolerate colder climates
Temperature
- Optimal Temp Range 70-80F (21-27C)
- Danger Zone <50F (10C) or >95F (35C)
"If we understand the worm, we understand life" - John Sulston
The EUROPEAN NIGHTCRAWLER
If you want worms for both composting and for fishing bait, the European Nightcrawler may be perfect for you. They can do double duty in the sense that they are great composters if you are looking for fertilizer, and they grow fat enough to be a nice size bait worm. You would just want to prepare your bin to optimize for one or the other. If you want compost, keep them in larger quantities, in more confined space. If you want large bait worms give them much more room. I have used a mix of European Nightcrawlers and Red Wigglers in my large CFT bins with success in the past. The reason is because the Euros will go deeper into the bedding than the Reds will. This helps tell me that as much of the bedding as possible is getting proccessed into castings. I believe it is my way of ensurring THE best castings make it to my customers. However, the RWs and ENCs may have reproduction problems when combined, so separate breeding may be necessary to control/increase the population when combined.
In a large worm bin, Euro's can naturally control the temperature they live in to a certain extent, because they will go deeper into the bedding than Red Wigglers or Blues.
Pros
- Affordable to purchase & available most everywhere
- Larger than Reds & Blues
- Aerate the soil
- Excellent eaters
- Can eat larger foods
Cons
- Does not tolerate warmer climates
- Little bit slower at breeding
Temperature
- Danger Zone <45F or >80F
- Optimal Temp Range 60 - 70F
[Check Worm Prices at Meme's Worms]
The AFRICAN NIGHTCRAWLER
If you are in a tropical climate, or have the ability to house your worms indoors where you can keep the bedding temperature in close to 70F (21C). It would be hard to find a more productive worm than the ANC. We have just added African Nightcrawlers to our population recently and are already being blown away by the size they are getting and their casting production.
African Nightcrawlers have an outrageous appetite and are known to be able to eat 1.5 times their weight in a day. Just like the Euro, they are able to do double duty! Whether you are looking for castings or bait, Just prepare your bin appropriately. If you are looking for fat bait worms, keep the poulation down giving them lots of room to move around. If you are looking for compost, let them multiply without seperating them.
Pros
- Affordable to purchase
- Larger than Reds & Blues & Euros
- Aerate the soil
- Voracious eaters
- Can eat larger foods
Cons
- Does not tolerate colder climates
Temperature
- Optimal Temp Range 70 - 85F (21-29C)
- Danger Zone <60F (16C) or >95F (35C)
[Check Worm Prices at Meme's Worms]
With so many upsides, it's hard to not think twice about the African nightcrawler if you have the ability to control your climate conditions.
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood" - Stephen R. Covey
In Summary
I believe that sometimes in life, things are are explained in a complex way or with big words that tends to alienate the folks who have the most ability to help with the needs of our communities and the world. I encourage you to continue worming in the simplest way you understand and then add more knowledge as you gain experience.
As you share your experience and knowledge with each other, ask yourself, "Could I explain this to a child?". Sometimes it takes a lot of thought and contemplation to be able to explain things simply (remember Mr. Rogers?). When we explain things to each other, let's care more about how well the other person can understand than how smart we sound.
As I have shared my experience with you all, I have learned so much in return. I am grateful and just thrilled to be apart of the Worm People! We have alot of work to do, and lots of people to encourage still, but as they say, "Many hands make light work.".
I look forward to the conversations that have not been had yet!
Have a wonderful Worm week!
