How to Look After Earthworms

Earthworms plow the soil by making tunnels, which are passageways for the earthworms to find the air and water they need for survival. These tunnels also help plant roots find the water and nutrients they need for the plant to grow. Unplowed soil hardens and restricts roots from growing, which can eventually kill plants. Earthworms have little bristles called setae that help them slide their bodies through soil, which helps provide aeration needed in soil and compost.

Things You'll Need

  • Earthworm supplier
  • Compost bin
  • Peat moss
  • Non-chlorine water
  • Thermometer
  • Cricket food
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the package of earthworms if purchased through the mail. Remove any dead or decaying earthworms from the container. Shipping earthworms in breathable cups protects them from extreme variations between heat and freezing. They can live in the container for several weeks as long as there is proper moisture and oxygen available.

    • 2

      Transfer the earthworm as soon as possible to a container suitable for bedding. Earthworms are very comfortable in compost bins. A compost bin is moist and has a lifetime supply of food.

    • 3

      Keep the earthworms out of the sun and heat. The earthworm needs moisture to survive. Optimal temperature for an earthworm is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop below or raise above optimal temperature the earthworm will get sick and die.

    • 4

      Select peat moss for your earthworm to bed in if there isn't a compost bin available. The bedding for the earthworm must always be moist and breathable. Peat moss meets both the requirements for the earthworm.

    • 5

      Check the moisture of the compost or peat moss by squeezing the bedding to see if there is moisture. If no water is expressed, spray with non-chlorinated water until the bedding is saturated.

    • 6

      Look at the area of the earthworm bedding. If there is not adequate air flow the earthworms can be smothered. If the earthworm bedding is in a box, you can drill holes in the sides and then cover the holes with screening so the earthworms can't escape.

    • 7

      Feed the earthworms cricket food to fatten them up. This is only a short-term food source. Creating a compost bin to house your earthworms provides the best food source.