compost worms

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compost worms

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snowball
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 6246
Location: swindon

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 8:23 am Post subject: compost worms
Excuse my ignorance Is there any advantage to putting a few ordinary garden worms in my compost bin; or do they have to be a special type that are only used in the layered compartment method?

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 10:06 am Post subject:
The paler large garden worms I would say no, they seem to prefer soil. The smaller red bramlings (sp?) yes as they love fresh veg material. In our garden they can be found under old veg that has been left on the garden for a few days and has started to rot.

Gervase

Joined: 17 Nov 2004
Posts: 8655

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:23 pm Post subject:
Wot treacodactyl said - when you buy a composter, the expensive worms they send you are brandlings. You'll find 'em for free in any decent compost pile. You may need a little bit of lime in the compost mix, as they're not too keen on acid conditions (and the lime will help keep the fruit fly population down).

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:26 pm Post subject:
Perhaps a bag of rotting manure from a local stables would also be a good source, or pop round to a friends heap.

sean
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:28 pm Post subject:

Treacodactyl wrote:

, or pop round to a friends heap.

Brilliant: "I'm just popping next door to borrow a bucket of compost dear....."

Gertie

Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:58 pm Post subject:
Ah, I wondered what those little red worms (brandlings) were. We've got absolutely loads of them in our old muck heap. When I brought some of the old manure up to put on our garden, I moved some of them into my compost bin (haven't seen them lately). I've probably killed the poor little b*ggers off!!!!

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:58 pm Post subject:

sean wrote:

Treacodactyl wrote:

, or pop round to a friends heap.

Brilliant: "I'm just popping next door to borrow a bucket of compost dear....."

We have quite a few in the warmer months and could give some away to anyone local. I'm not going to try and post them.

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 5:00 pm Post subject:

Gertie wrote:

I've probably killed the poor little b*ggers off!!!!

They tend to be more active in the warmer months, in the cold they don't move too much or breed I think. There are some worm breeders on here, they'll know more about them.

Gertie

Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 5:17 pm Post subject:
Thanks for that, Treacodactyl, I don't like the thought of being a murderess Mind you, I agree, I wouldn't fancy sending any of them to anyone - even if they are quiet and not breeding at the moment!

Gertie

Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 7:35 pm Post subject:
It could be fun sending them to someone you weren't very keen on.

snowball
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 6246
Location: swindon

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 8:15 pm Post subject:
Thanks everyone. It's okay, I am not looking forward to receiving any worms through my letter box, unless I've upset anyone.

Gertie

Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 05 8:55 pm Post subject:
I can't imagine you would ever upset anyone, Snowball!!

wellington womble

Joined: 08 Nov 2004
Posts: 15051
Location: East Midlands

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 05 9:40 pm Post subject:

Gervase wrote:

Wot treacodactyl said - when you buy a composter, the expensive worms they send you are brandlings. You'll find 'em for free in any decent compost pile.
You may need a little bit of lime in the compost mix, as they're not too keen on acid conditions (and the lime will help keep the fruit fly population down).

Now you bloody tell me - I just bought a can of worms (well had it for christmas!) At this rate (especially if I have to keep putting the little buggers back in it) I'll need about three. I'm being very patient (for me!)

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