How to Raise Red Worm Capsules

Red worms are often used for fishing bait. Because of their large size, they are more likely to attract large fish. They are also the worm of choice when it comes to composting. Since they are so big, they can go through large amounts of food at a time, thus reducing the time it takes to make composted material. Raising these worms takes minimal effort, and the benefits you get from them are well worth it.

Things You'll Need

  • Storage container
  • Drill
  • Soil
  • Leaves
  • pH tester
  • Limestone
  • Aluminum sulfate
  • Water
  • Red worm capsules
  • Chicken feed or food scraps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill a 1/4-inch hole in each corner of the container to ensure proper drainage. The container can be made of any material or size as long as it is at least 5 inches deep.

    • 2

      Fill a container between 5 and 8 inches deep with soil. The amount you should put in is determined by the size of the container. Do not exceed 8 inches because it can be difficult to harvest the worms later if the soil is too deep.

    • 3

      For every 2 inches of soil, mix in a small handful of leaves. Leaves are good organic matter for worms to eat as they grow.

    • 4

      Measure the pH of the soil with a pH tester. The ideal pH for raising red worms is between 6.0 and 7.0.

    • 5

      Add powdered limestone to raise the pH of your soil. Aluminum sulfate can be used to lower the pH. There is no set rule for how much of either ingredient is needed to change the pH because all soil is different. Start by mixing in a 1/2 cup of the ingredient with the soil and wait a day before checking the pH. After a few tests, you should have a good feel for how to alter the pH of your particular soil.

    • 6

      Moisten the soil with water. The soil should feel similar to how the ground feels after a light rain. If you can form a solid ball with the soil, then it is good.

    • 7

      Add 20 red worm capsules to the container and lightly sprinkle soil over them. A typical capsule contains six worms.

    • 8

      Check the pH and moisture level of the soil daily. Without the right conditions, you could lose all of your worms.

    • 9

      Add a food source once the worms begin to grow. Chicken feed is good if you plan on selling or using the worms for fish bait. A thin row of pre-moistened feed down the center of the container every other day is plenty. Vegetable food scraps are good if the worms will be used for compost. Add 1/4 cup of vegetable matter to the top of the soil and replace it whenever the worms eat it.

    • 10

      Mix the soil thoroughly every three weeks to ensure the nutrients are spread evenly, thus providing the best soil possible to the worms.