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Re: Can anyone help with Worm Farming, please?



Annette wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> A friend has just bought some worms, and plastic containers. She has a
> problem with condensation. She thinks the temps are not right. Would
> we be correct in assuming she needs more insulation?
> 

Hi Annette,

There are over 1,800 different species of earthworms, of which three or
four are usually harnessed for home composting.  The most common,
eisenia fetida, tolerates a wide range of temperatures from a solid
freeze at 0 C up to 35 C.  The optimum temperatures are in the 20s.  
Lumbricus rubella, often called the red wriggler, has a narrower
temperature range, about 10 C to 25 C.

The so called "African Nightcrawler", eudrillus eugenia, is a poor
vermicomuster and requires temperatures in a narrower band, from 22 C to
30 C.

Condensation is not a sign of the bin being too cold or wet. 
Condensation where?  Most worms need a very wet environment, around 80%
moisture, which means that a lot of water is being released to the air
at any given time.

If you or anyone else wants to join a composting discussion group there
is one at

compost@listproc.wsu.edu

subscribe by sending a message to

listserv@listproc.wsu.edu 

with the message

subscribe compost (first name last name)

> The worms are in a closed-in shed, 40'x15'. The temperature is between
> 10-30 degrees celcius in winter.
> Any suggestions would be passed on, and greatly appreciated.
> She lives in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
> Thanks
> Annette

Hope this helps

Jim the Compost Man~



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