50 Live Red Wiggler Composting Worms (raised by father/son with organic scraps)

Description: Welcome to Papa & Pie's Red Wigglers!Get your hands on 50 live red wiggler composting worms, raised by "Papa & Pie's Red Wigglers" in Vermont. These easy-to-raise worms breed quickly and come guaranteed live. Perfect for composting and yard waste, they are a great addition to any home or garden. Your package will contain 50+ worms. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced composter, these red wigglers are a great choice for creating rich, organic soil. Order now and start enjoying the benefits of these high-quality compost worms. For every sale of our red wigglers, we are donating a dollar to the Polar Bears International (polarbearsinternational.org), a non-profit organization that works to save polar bears and their habitat through research, education, and action programs. This donation is our way of giving back to the outdoors that we love. This father-son "business" is more than just selling worms; while we don't expect to make our first million this way, it’s a fun alternative to a lemonade stand and a way for my nine-year-old son to learn about the basics of business in a hands-on way. Information on Red Wigglers below:Red wigglers, or Eisenia fetida, are a powerful and eco-friendly way to compost, enriching your soil while reducing household waste. Here’s everything you need to know to get started with these amazing worms and set up your own Vermicomposting system!What are Red Wigglers? Red wigglers, scientifically named Eisenia fetida, are small, red earthworms specially suited for composting because of their fast rate of breaking down organic material. They grow to about 2-4 inches long and are thinner than other earthworms. They typically live 1-2 years, reproducing regularly under the right conditions, which makes them ideal for a continuous composting setup.Life Cycle of Red Wigglers. Egg Stage: Worms hatch from cocoons, which are lemon-shaped and about the size of a grape seed. Each cocoon can produce up to 5 baby worms. Juvenile Stage: After hatching, baby worms grow rapidly, reaching full size in about 4-6 weeks. Reproduction: When mature, red wigglers reproduce quickly, especially in temperatures between 55-77°F, allowing your composting population to grow steadily.Caring for Red Wigglers: Use a shallow, well-ventilated bin that allows for proper airflow, moisture control, and easy access for feeding. Keep the temperature around 55-77°F. Feed your worms a balanced diet of organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meats, dairy, oils, and citrus, which can harm the worms and upset the compost pH. Keep the bedding as moist as a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water; if it’s too wet, add dry shredded paper. Start with bedding made of shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir. Bedding needs to be refreshed regularly to keep it fresh and functional. Red wigglers can consume about half their weight in food daily. Check weekly and add food as needed.Using Red Wigglers for Vermicomposting: Over time, your red wigglers will digest organic matter, turning it into rich, dark compost called vermicast. This compost is packed with nutrients that can boost soil health and encourage plant growth. When the worm bin becomes full of vermicast, gently separate the worms from the compost. Place the castings around your plants or mix them into garden soil. Vermicompost is rich in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and beneficial microorganisms, promoting strong plant growth. Setting Up a Home Composting System: Items needed include: A shallow, plastic or wooden bin with a lid (1-2 feet deep). Bedding (shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir). Water (to keep bedding moist). Food scraps (vegetable peels, coffee grounds, etc.) Steps: 1.Prepare the Bin: Drill small holes in the sides and top of the bin to allow airflow. Add 3-4 inches of moist bedding. 2.Add Worms: Place your red wigglers on top of the bedding and give them time to burrow down. 3.Feed Regularly: Add small amounts of food to one side of the bin, burying it under the bedding. Rotate feeding spots each time. 4.Maintain Moisture and Temperature: Check the bin weekly to ensure the bedding remains moist but not soggy. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Tips for a Healthy Composting System: Avoid Overfeeding: Too much food can lead to odors and attract pests. Feed only as much as the worms can process. Monitor Bedding Condition: Add fresh bedding every month to keep the bin from becoming too compacted. Control Pests: If you notice fruit flies, try burying food deeper and covering the surface with fresh bedding. Fun Facts & Additional Uses for Red WigglersGarden Boosters: Vermicompost not only fertilizes plants but also improves soil structure, helping retain moisture and encouraging root growth.Eco-Friendly Pest Deterrent: Worm tea (liquid extracted from vermicompost) can be used as a natural pesticide and soil conditioner.Classroom Projects: Worm bins make great educational tools for teaching kids about recycling and life cycles. Ready to start composting? Order your red wigglers today and see the difference they make!

Price: 16 USD

Location: Winooski, Vermont

End Time: 2024-11-27T15:45:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD