Red Wigglers Facts

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Overview

The red wiggler worm, also known as Eisenia fetida, is used to help add nutrients to soil and aerate it. Red wiggler worms aren't found in your typical backyard. It is one of 2,500 different worm types.

Description

Red wiggler worms are 2 to 4 inches long and have a reddish-purple color. There can be stripes. There should be a yellow tail tip.

Composting

The red wiggler worm does well in composting efforts by consuming most any type of manure and organic matter.

Worm Castings

The red wiggler worm castings (excrement) are great for gardening by adding even more concentrated nutrients to the earth.

Food Needs

A red worm at maturity will eat up to its full weight every day. For an average family of four, you will need 2 lbs. of red wiggler worms to consume and break down normal castaway table scraps.

Breeding

To breed red wigglers for composting purposes, you need a worm bin with bedding and organic food material; wet gently, and then let it sit.

References

Local Harvest
Worm Composting

Keywords: red wigglers, worms, Eisenia fetida

About this Author

T.M. Samuels has been a freelance writer since 1993. She has published works in "Arthritis Today," "Alabama Living" and "Mature Years," and is the author of a gardening book. Samuels studied pre-medicine at Berry College.

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