What is the difference between supporting the worms you already have in your soil and using worm bin - Ask Extension
What is the difference between supporting the worms you already have in your soil and using worm bins? Those vermiculture worm bins are expensive a...
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What is the difference between supporting the worms you already have in your soil and using worm bin #866367
Asked April 29, 2024, 5:27 PM EDT
What is the difference between supporting the worms you already have in your soil and using worm bins? Those vermiculture worm bins are expensive and they are another contraption that needs space. I have been direct composting into my greenhouse soil beds for years. I never run out of worms and they look healthy to me. Other than keeping the soil moist even in the dead of our cold winters (this last season we had many 18 degree days), this is a really easy way to keep a thriving worm colony. And how do the expensive bags of worm castings fit in?? If my worms are prospering, do I need to grow more in a bin or add bags of worm castings to my soil? Aren't my worms making and depositing their castings in my greenhouse beds? Thank you!
Columbia County Oregon
Expert Response
Jamie Owens:
Just to clarify - earthworms are part of the greenhouse planting medium? I'm going to respond as if that is true. I assume you're not growing greenhouse plants in native soil brought in from outdoors.
Based on what you've indicated here, it sounds to me as though you've found the right way for you to manage earthworms. So much easier than maintaining a small wormbin. (BTW, you can very successfully manage worms in an under the bed storage box with lid - no fancy worm bin required.)
There's always more than one way to establish a gardening system, and I'd say you've found the way that works best for you. And I think you're making your own worm castings in place - no need to purchase anything in a bag.
I'd advise you to carry on as you have been. :)
Just to clarify - earthworms are part of the greenhouse planting medium? I'm going to respond as if that is true. I assume you're not growing greenhouse plants in native soil brought in from outdoors.
Based on what you've indicated here, it sounds to me as though you've found the right way for you to manage earthworms. So much easier than maintaining a small wormbin. (BTW, you can very successfully manage worms in an under the bed storage box with lid - no fancy worm bin required.)
There's always more than one way to establish a gardening system, and I'd say you've found the way that works best for you. And I think you're making your own worm castings in place - no need to purchase anything in a bag.
I'd advise you to carry on as you have been. :)
Good Afternoon Linda,
Well I didn't start out using native soil in my GH. I started with a mix of purchased soil mix from the local sand and gravel business, some compost and vermiculite. Since I live on the Nehalem river, my native soil close to the river is very sandy light-colored loam and further away it is very heavy clay. The clay is full of worms. As I planted, added, moved and changed around my outside plants, I started grabbing worms along with some native soil and tossed 'em into the GH. So the worms in the GH came from the original transplants from outside. I was surprised that they survived and thrived every year. But I always wondered if they would be healthier if I added bags of worm castings. Currently I grind my own kitchen scraps, I have five gallons a month, add it to the soil and water it well. A week later when I fork the soil, the worms are everywhere.
Thanks so much for your help!
Best, J.
