How To Raise your Own Worms

Worms are one of the easiest things to raise. They require very little work and are prolific breeders. In fact, only 100 worms can product 3000 to 5000 worms in a year. To begin your worm habitat, buy 100 Red Wigglers worms for breeder stock. These worms will reproduce faster and not need to burrow as deep in the soil as regular worms that you can find in your garden.

Then search for a large, shallow, water-tight container, like a childrens' plastic swimming pool, or an old bath tub. Place the container in a cool, moist area out of the sun. Since the worms can't burrow deep into the soil to keep cool, they must be kept out of direct sunlight, or the soil in the tub will dry out and the worms will die. Fill the container with about 8 inches of rich soil. Then mix in another inch of organic material, such as leaves, grass clippings, or straw. Mix in next, a pound of cornmeal and 1/2 pound of vegetable shortening.

Moisten your soil by sprinkling about a quart of water and then add your worms. Cover the container with boards or damp burlap, but don't seal it with a tarp. Worms need lots of oxygen.

Check back in a month or so. At that time, you'll need to add the same amount of cornmeal and shortening, as well as another quart of water. From then on, as more worms are appearing, feed and water every couple of weeks.