new to this

[germanbini]

I am thinking about starting up in vermiculture - I have a bin and cornmeal made, but no worms yet (they only had nightcrawlers at walmart bait shop, want to hold out for redworms per advice on this forum).

After I get the worms in the bin, what's the plan? I'd like to make some castings for my own garden, but then what do I do?

If I end up with a lot of worms and/or castings, where or how do I sell them?

Thanks for your advice and ideas!

Sabrina

[germanbini]

So, 27 views, do any of you raise worms yet? What do you do with them?

[Jay Blair]

Sabrina,
My apologies. I have been away from the forum while admining other sites that I host.

I use my worms and castings in my BISF gardens and micro-nursery now. Up until 2003, I also ran a small scale bait supply.

What are your potential markets and your own interests? Once thse two questions are answered, developing a potential model is easier.

[germanbini]

Hi Jay,

No problem and thank you for the reply. I wouldn't have minded hearing from any of the other members either, though.

I've got some compost going and I've made the newpaper worm bin, however haven't been able to get any redworms yet. Walmart here only sells nightcrawlers and I've read they're not good for this type of operation.

I think I'll get some cardboard and try that harveting technique if I don't come across a bait shop soon (I have to go to the next town to do that and my van is not running very well for trips right now). I had been trying to dig out bricks that had been placed in the backyard, but they are stuck in there really good and I also think there are termites living under them. Would that keep the worms away from there?

[Jay Blair]

Other members should reply as they pass through. While we do share our knowledge here, most spend their time at other sites or tending their bins.

Termites and other insects could drive of worms. A piece of moist carpet makes a good worm trap also.

[4wigglers]

I guess I am not as prepared as I thought I was. I started with about 10 pounds of euros and I am
already down to about 2 pounds. I did not realize that they can crawl out of a 8 inch box container. I think I will try the carpet piece on the bottom of the container.

[mikej]

germanbini, where do you live? You might be able to find a worm farmer nearby who is willing to give you a couple of handfuls of redworms. Walmart aims for the general population and vermiculture is pretty specialized so it's not surprising they don't carry redworms.

[germanbini]

OK I found a bait shop and bought two containers of "red wigglers" and have put them into the bin with the damp shredded newspaper and a little dirt. I'm going to put a scoop of compost (old rotten food... ew to me, hope they like it) into there with them and hope for the best! So far I've invested $8.88; hopefully they will be worth it.

ps. I live in Montgomery, Alabama

[Jay Blair]

Keep them moist and they should be okay. Your zone is 7B /8A isnt it? You will want to implement some of the Texas maintenance techniques to ensure a suitable bin environment.