When it comes to composting, worms are an excellent addition to the process. They help to break down organic materials and turn them into nutrient-rich compost that can be used in gardens and flower beds. But with so many different types of worms to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best for composting.

There are several different types of worms that are commonly used for composting, including red wigglers, European nightcrawlers, and African nightcrawlers. Each type of worm has its own unique characteristics and benefits, making it important to choose the right one for your specific needs.

After researching and testing various types of composting worms, we have found that red wigglers are the best overall option. These worms are efficient at breaking down organic materials and can consume up to 50% of their body weight each day. They are also easy to care for and reproduce quickly, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced composters.

(Note: This article is part of our Worm Farming Series, check out Worm Farming 101 for a starting point for even even more worm farming information!)

Types of Composting Worms

When it comes to composting with worms, there are several types of worms to choose from. Each type has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types of composting worms:

Red Wigglers

Red wigglers, also known as redworms, are the most common type of composting worm. They are small, thin, and reddish-brown in color. Red wigglers are easy to care for and reproduce quickly, making them a popular choice for composting beginners. They are also voracious eaters, consuming organic matter at a rapid pace. Red wigglers are ideal for indoor composting systems such as worm bins and vermicomposting bags.

European Nightcrawlers

European nightcrawlers, also known as dendrobaenas, are larger than red wigglers and have a pinkish-gray color. They are more cold-tolerant than red wigglers, making them a good choice for outdoor composting in cooler climates. European nightcrawlers are also known for their ability to process large amounts of organic material, making them a good choice for larger composting operations.

African Nightcrawlers

African nightcrawlers, also known as Eudrilus eugeniae, are larger than red wigglers and have a light brown color. They are native to Africa but are now commonly used for composting in other parts of the world. African nightcrawlers are known for their ability to process large amounts of organic material quickly, making them a good choice for commercial composting operations. They are also more heat-tolerant than other types of composting worms, making them a good choice for outdoor composting in warmer climates.

Garden Worms

Garden worms, also known as earthworms or nightcrawlers, are not typically used for composting. However, they can help to improve soil health by burrowing through the soil and creating channels for air and water to flow. Garden worms can also help to break down organic matter in the soil, making nutrients more available to plants. If you have a garden, it's a good idea to encourage garden worms to thrive by adding organic matter to the soil and avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

While each type of composting worm has its own unique characteristics and benefits, we believe that red wigglers are the best choice for most composting operations. They are easy to care for, reproduce quickly, and consume organic matter at a rapid pace. Whether you're composting indoors or outdoors, red wigglers are a reliable and effective choice.

Benefits of Using Composting Worms

Nutrient-Rich Soil

Composting worms, such as red wigglers, are known for their ability to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. As they eat food waste, they break it down into smaller pieces, which are then excreted as worm castings. These castings are packed with nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. By using composting worms, we can create a natural fertilizer that is free from harmful chemicals and additives.

Efficient Composting

Composting with worms is a highly efficient process that can turn organic waste into usable compost in just a few weeks. Unlike traditional composting methods, which can take months to produce usable compost, vermicomposting can produce high-quality compost in a fraction of the time. This makes it an ideal method for those who want to reduce their environmental impact and create a sustainable garden.

Indoor and Outdoor Composting

Composting with worms can be done both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile option for those who want to reduce their organic waste. Indoor composting can be done in a small vermicomposting bin, which can be kept in a kitchen or closet. Outdoor composting can be done in a larger bin or pile, which can be placed in a backyard or garden. This flexibility makes it easy for us to compost no matter where we live or how much space we have.

Reduced Landfill Waste

By composting our food waste with worms, we can reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills. When organic waste is sent to landfills, it decomposes anaerobically, which produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By composting our food waste, we can reduce the amount of methane that is released into the atmosphere and create a valuable resource that can be used to nourish our plants.

Overall, composting with worms is a great way to reduce our environmental impact, create nutrient-rich soil, and produce high-quality compost in a short amount of time. Whether we choose to compost indoors or outdoors, using composting worms can help us make the most of our organic waste and create a sustainable garden that is free from harmful chemicals and additives.

Choosing the Best Composting Worms

When it comes to composting, choosing the right type of worm is crucial. Not all worms are created equal, and some are better suited for the job than others. In this section, we'll discuss the different types of worms and why we believe red wigglers are the best option.

Red Wigglers are the Best Overall Option

Red wigglers, also known as Eisenia fetida, are the most commonly used worms for composting. They are small, hardy, and can eat up to half their body weight in organic material each day. They thrive in temperatures between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, making them well-suited for indoor vermicomposting bins.

Temperature Range

Temperature is an important factor to consider when choosing composting worms. Red wigglers prefer temperatures between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, while other species, such as European nightcrawlers, can tolerate temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to keep your composting bin within the appropriate temperature range to ensure the health and well-being of your worms.

Moisture and Aeration

Worms need a moist environment to survive, but too much moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions and the growth of harmful bacteria. It's important to maintain the proper moisture level in your composting bin by adding water as needed and ensuring adequate drainage. Aeration is also important to keep the composting process going. Make sure your bin has enough air holes to allow for proper ventilation.

Food and Organic Material

Worms feed on organic material, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. It's important to avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods to your composting bin, as these can attract pests and lead to unpleasant odors. Be sure to chop up your food scraps into small pieces to make it easier for the worms to digest.

Composting Bins

There are many types of composting bins available, from DIY setups made from plastic bins to commercial vermicomposting bins. The type of bin you choose will depend on your needs and the amount of organic material you plan to compost. Vermicomposting bins are a popular choice for indoor composting, as they are compact and easy to maintain.

Overall, while there are several types of worms that can be used for composting, we believe that red wigglers are the best option. They are hardy, easy to care for, and can quickly turn organic material into nutrient-rich worm castings, which can be used as fertilizer for your plants. By choosing the right type of worm and providing them with a suitable environment, you can create a thriving composting system that will benefit both your garden and the environment.

Popular Brands of Composting Worms

When it comes to composting worms, there are several popular brands to choose from. Let's take a look at some of the top options:

Uncle Jim's Worm Farm

Uncle Jim's Worm Farm offers both red wiggler live composting worms and European nightcrawlers for composting and fishing. Their worms are raised on a farm and shipped directly to your door, ensuring they are healthy and ready to get to work in your compost bin. They also offer a variety of worm composting bins and accessories to help you get started.

I purchased my original bunch of worms from Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm.

Meme's Worms

Meme's Worms is another popular option for composting worms. They specialize in red wigglers and offer both live worms and worm castings for sale. Their worms are raised on a diet of organic materials and are shipped in a breathable bag to ensure they arrive healthy and ready to start composting.

When choosing a composting worm brand, it's important to consider your specific needs and composting goals. Whether you're looking for a large supply of worms for a big composting project or a compact bin for indoor use, there is a brand out there that will meet your needs.

At the end of the day, while there are several great options out there, we believe that red wigglers are the best composting worms overall. They are hardy, prolific breeders, and can consume a lot of organic material. Plus, they are easy to find and relatively affordable. So if you're looking for a great all-around composting worm, we recommend starting with red wigglers.

Conclusion

After researching and considering all options, we have come to the conclusion that red wigglers are the best composting worms for most situations. While other worms, such as nightcrawlers and garden worms, may have their benefits, red wigglers are the most efficient and effective for vermicomposting.

Red wigglers are epigeic worms, which means they live close to the surface and are ideal for composting. They can consume food scraps and other organic matter quickly, producing rich compost that is full of nutrients for your plants.

Composting with red wigglers is also a more sustainable and eco-friendly option compared to traditional composting methods. It reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and creates a natural fertilizer for your garden.

Using red wigglers for vermicomposting is also a great way to improve the quality of your soil. The nutrients in the compost produced by red wigglers help to improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability for plants.

Overall, red wigglers are efficient, effective, and eco-friendly composting worms that can greatly benefit your garden. So, if you're looking to start vermicomposting, we highly recommend giving red wigglers a try!