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Worm questions!

Star

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My little axies are starting to eat me out of house and home, they eat better than I do! So I've decided to buy some worms and start a worm farm.

I have a 5 or 8 gallon (not sure which) plastic fish tank so I was planning on digging up soil from the garden, putting it in the tank, buying some worms, adding them and leaving them to it, add the occasional fruit and veg cuttings when I can afford to buy fruit and veg :p

Firstly, would this work?

Secondly, does anyone know where is the best place to get decent, cheap worms? I'm an unemployed student with a dwindling loan since my car keeps breaking down... I've found a coupe but curious if there is anywhere cheaper :)
 

Jennewt

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The kind of worms that can be cultured do better in a loose substrate rather than garden dirt. You can start them out with shredded paper or peat moss or coconut fiber rather than dirt. The container you have is a bit small, but you will be able to get reproducing worms. If the container has no drainage holes, you'll need to be very careful that the substrate doesn't get too wet (fruits and vegetables give off water as they are eaten by the worms).

I don't know where you would get worms, but you don't need a lot to start a culture that small. Maybe try asking a local nature center or garden club? If you can find someone with an active worm bin, they can probably spare some.
 

Star

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Thanks jen :) What size container would be best for ~100 worms would you say?
If I use shredded paper, would putting a layer of gravel on the bottom for drainage be a good idea?
I'll have a look around to see who is local, I didn't think of that :)
 
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