Syndicate Bruce Galle's Articles Straight onto Your Web Site! - easy one-time setup, takes only minutes - fresh, informative content on your site - updates automatically - build content-rich sites with our authors! - best of all, it's FREE!! Click here to get started! Feature Articles: Worm Composting - Vermiculture... Six Solutions for Practically Perfect Parenti... Are You in an Unhappy Marriage Just for Your ... How to Handle Curfews for Teenagers... Discipline Tips for Parents... Discipline Tips for Parents ~ 3 Mistakes and ... - Engagement and Wedding in Virginia... - Sourcing for Engagement and Wedding Items... Click here for more >> Books by this Author Free Domain Parking Script Get your own free domain parking script when you sign up for Weekly Domain List! Same script we use that consistently gets us top 10 rankings in Google. User friendly, add your own affiliate programs from networks (Commission Junction, LinkShare...), add your own newsletter, (Aweber, GetResponse...) and more! Weekly Domain List offers a breakdown of the weeks news, domain specials, premium domains for sale...   Subscribe to Our Content Updates *  Your email address: *  Preferred Format: HTMLText     YourName: *  Enter the security code shown:

Deciding to start your own worm composting bin, also known as vermicomposting, is rather simple to set up and maintain if done correctly. You will need to make a choice of which red worm you want to use for composting as there are several to choose from, each with its own characteristics. Below is some basic information to assist you in choosing the correct composting worm for your own personal needs.

Red Wiggler Worms-- Great If Primary Purpose Is Composting.

Red wigglers, also known as red wriggler worms, are said by many to be the best composting worm. Realistically they are very prolific and are easy to raise in a bin since they will basically take to their new environment right from the start, whereas your nightcrawlers usually try to wander more until they settle in.

The red wiggler prefers temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and is the smallest of the compost worms. They will eat your basic vegetable and fruit scraps, turning them into "Black Gold" or worm castings. They will survive well in simple bedding made of shredded cardboard and newspapers.

African Nightcrawlers -- Great Worm If Primary Purpose Is for Both Composting and/or Fishing.

These are a superior worm with a dual purpose. They not only eat more than the other red worms but also make an excellent fishing worm, growing to lengths of 8 to 10 inches long. They are very prolific and one of the hardiest worms to raise.

African nightcrawlers worm castings are different looking as well as feeling than other red worms. The castings are darker yet lighter and fluffier. There is no difference in the worm castings when it comes to microorganism's growth or PH levels.

The African nightcrawler is more heat tolerant and prefers temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They will eat your basic vegetable and fruit scraps, turning them into "Black Gold" or worm castings. They will survive well in simple bedding made of shredded cardboard and newspapers.

European Nightcrawlers- Great for Those Whose Primary Purpose Is Fishing.

This is one of the favorites of fishermen. They also do a good job composting your scraps; however, they are not as good as the red wiggler or African nightcrawlers.

These nightcrawlers grow to about 3 to 4 inches in length and can tolerate cooler water temperatures. The European nightcrawler is also the only red worm that can survive while being fished in brackish water, which also classifies them as a hardy worm to raise.

European nightcrawlers prefer a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They will eat your basic vegetable and fruit scraps, turning them into "Black Gold" or worm castings. They will survive well in simple bedding made of shredded cardboard and newspapers.

Alabama Jumpers-- Great for Fishing & Yard . . . Garden Composting.

The Alabama jumper is a unique composting worm being it does not do well raised in bins, however, prefers clay and sandy soils due to the tougher skin they have. This enables them to burrow through hard packed clay without a problem.

They do not eat vegetable scraps but rather carbon-based products, i.e. hay, shredded cardboard, leaves . . . Alabama jumpers live up to its name by wiggling so quickly and violently it will actually leap out of your hand. With this type of action, think about what it will do when placed in front of a fish.

Alabama jumpers will migrate eventually throughout your yard and/or garden areas, leaving worm castings towards the surface. They will not harm plants or their roots however will aerate the soil.

Alabama jumpers can tolerate as far north as Tennessee. When the colder weather comes, they will burrow below the frost levels . . . These are very easy worms to raise since they have minimal needs.

There you have it, the basic information needed when selecting "composting worms" that will work best for you!

Keywords: worm composting,compost worms,compost,worms,red wiggler worms,african nightcrawlers,european nightcrawlers,alabama jumpers

About the Author
Bruce Galle, Easley, SC, USA
More Details about worm composting here.

Bruce Galle also known as “The Worm Expert” has been involved with Vermicomposting and assisting others over the years. Bruce is also the founder of Organic Worm Farm, where he personally raises and sells several worm species for composting and fishing.