Mega Bored
A worm farm is a self-contained composting system that consists of a stable structure filled with nutrient-rich humus material and partially decomposed organic wastes. The organic wastes are used as bedding material and worm casting. To develop a robust worm farm, you can use different species of worms in a single containment. The fact is, some worms do well in the hotter months while others thrive in the colder climate. In today’s post, we are listing down the 5 most common worm species used in a worm farm:
1. Tiger Worm
The tiger worm – better known as red worm – is a type of earthworm that feeds on decaying organic materials. This worm species, which is native to Europe, is perfect for a worm farm because it loves rotting vegetation and compost. Because tiger worms are epigean, they are rarely found above the soil. Red worms are the most popular worm species used in vermicomposting.
Red worms breed quickly too! A single worm can produce up to 9 worms per week as long as the conditions are ideal. They make an excellent fish bait. Tiger worms thrive in both hot and cold climates although the best temp for breeding is 25 degrees C.
2. Indian Blue Worms
Indian Blue worms, also known as perionyx excavatus is an earthworm prized for its ability to create fine worm casting quickly. Indian Blue worms belong to the Perionyx genus, which has its origins in the Himalayan Mountains! This worm species is an excellent worm for a farm because it will feed on rotting vegetation with gusto. However, Indian Blue worms thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. They do not do well in colder climate at all. When exposed to cooler climate, the worms will craw from its bedding.
Indian Blues are fairly easy to breed. One worm will produce 18 worms per week as long as the conditions are right. This worm species has the ability to convert organic waste into a worm compost very quickly so it is a favorite among worm farmers. Indian Blues make an excellent fishing bait because it wiggles actively in the water, attracting more fish.
3. Cod Worms
Lernaeocera branchialis – best known as cod worms – are a type of marine fish parasite native to the North Atlantic. This worm starts out as a tiny pelagic crustacean larvae and then reaching about 40 millimeters as an adult. Cod Worms live on the surface of its host.
Cod works are the best worms to get if you are looking for soil structure builders. These worms prefer to live in the soil rather than in the compost. Because they are larger, cod worms effective aerate the soil, creating nutrient-rich soil. Cod worms prefer to eat the worm cast produced by other compost worms. They dig deeper into the soil, creating well-defined tunnels. These tunnels can be used to develop healthy plant roots. Cod worms make the best fishing worm. They will wiggle very actively and will hang onto the hook effectively. The only downside to cod worms is that they are extremely hard to breed.
4. European Nightcrawler
The European Nightcrawler is a medium-sized earthworm with pink-grey color and a banded or striped appearance. This worm is one of the best fishing bait worms in the world. This worm species eats the same amount of vegetation as tiger worms but they do not breed as quickly. Because European Nightcrawler grows larger and fatter, they make an excellent addition to a worm farm.
