How to Raise Wigglers

There are several reasons to start raising your own worms. For fishermen, it means a ready supply of bait for fishing excursions. Some people raise wigglers and then sell them to bait shops for profit. Others keep worms in a barrel to help turn garbage into compost for the garden. Regardless of the reason, raising wigglers is a straightforward, rewarding process.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • 2-by-3-foot box or bin
  • 10 lb. shredded newspaper
  • 1 gallon garden or potting soil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill holes around the bottom of the box you've chosen to provide circulation within the box. Drill at least 10 holes that are at least 1 inch in diameter. Make sure that any box you choose is made of untreated wood; the chemicals in treated wood will kill worms.

    • 2

      Fill the box halfway with the shredded newspaper. Use only the black-and-white sections of the paper to avoid poisoning the worms with colored ink.

    • 3

      Put garden soil or potting soil in the box, and mix it with the newspaper. The "grit" of the dirt gives worms a boost during digestion. Pour 4 gallons of water over the mixture to moisturize it. Let the bedding settle for at least two days.

    • 4

      Purchase red worms from a pet store, bait shop or online retailer. The box you've prepared will easily hold 2 lb. of worms.

    • 5

      Dump the worms across their bedding and leave them; they will dig into the soil and make themselves at home.

    • 6

      Feed the worms consistently. There is never any possibility of overfeeding worms. Avoid meat products; vegetables or fruit work best. Rake back the top layer of bedding, spread the scraps around and then cover them with soil.

    • 7

      Keep the soil consistently moist. Worms breathe through their skin and can only breathe in moist conditions. Change the bedding every two months to keep it clean. Transfer large worms to the garden so the box doesn't get crowded.