How do I Care for & Feed Earthworms?

Raising earthworms can be done as a hobby or for profit. The worms can be sold as bait or for composting. Avid fisherman may also be interested in raising earthworms as a way to save money and to avoid purchasing slight, under performing bait. Proper care and feeding of an earthworm colony will ensure that the whole group grows large, fat and ready to be placed on the end of a hook or used to help save the planet.

Things You'll Need

  • 48 cups of peat moss
  • Water
  • Plastic bucket
  • 5 gallon bucket
  • Drill
  • Laying mash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour approximately 48 cups of peat moss into a plastic bucket. Slowly pour water into the peat moss until all of the peat moss is completely soaked.

    • 2

      Place the peat moss into a five-gallon bucket.

    • 3

      Drill five to six 1/16-inch holes around the bottom half of the bucket just below the peat moss line. This will help increase oxygen flow to the earthworms.

    • 4

      Pour the earthworms into the peat moss. Each worm will find its own way toward the bottom of the bucket.

    • 5

      Place the bucket into an area that maintains a steady temperature anywhere between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the earthworms out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating and killing the worms.

    • 6

      Sprinkle a light layer of laying mash onto the top of the peat moss. Allow the mash to remain for 24 hours. Avoid feeding the earthworms again until the mash is completely eaten. This will give you some idea about how much food the earthworms will require.

    • 7

      Lightly toss the peat moss every two weeks. This will allow the bedding that is on the bottom of the bucket to move to the top. Tossing the bedding will also help aerate the peat moss.