How to Raise Giant Redworms
- 1). Drill approximately 40 drainage holes in the bottom of a 20-lb. plastic storage tote.
- 2). Drill a row of holes around the top of the tote, just under the lip, and approximately 40 holes in the lid. These holes will allow for airflow.
- 3). Fill the bin 2/3 full with peat moss and torn-up newspaper.
- 4). Sprinkle approximately 3 cups of soil on top of the peat and newspaper.
- 5). Spray the bedding with water so it is evenly dampened.
- 6). Add 2 lbs. of red worms in the middle of the bedding. The worms will eventually eat through the newspaper, turning it into worm castings.
- 7). Feed the red worms 1 lb. of food per day. Things you can feed to red worms include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, sawdust from natural wood, grass clippings, leaves and manure. Avoid meat and dairy products, pet poop and anything with toxic or nonbiodegradable properties. Mix the food in with the bedding using a wooden spoon.
- 8). Make sure the bedding stays slightly damp (not soggy).
- 9). Use the worm castings (compost) as the bin fills. Sprinkle it in your lawn and garden or save it in a separate bin for future soil preparation.
- 10
Remove approximately 2 lbs. of red worms every two to three months to keep the population regulated. Red worms reproduce rapidly. Put them in your garden beds, feed them to your chickens, give them to your friends or use them for fishing. If the worms become overpopulated, they will not grow to the giant size typical of red worms. - 11
Remove the worms and replace the old bedding with fresh bedding every six months.
