Thanks, Barb, for starting this thread. I was thinking of using a 5-gallon bucket if thats okay?

Dean

I'm guessing it would be perfect, as long as it's not clear.

Where did you buy your worms? a fishing/bait store? (I can't think of one).

I bought them at a local convience store.

Dean

...in the aisle marked Worms? 😆 😆
never knew they had 'em.

I'll check around town.
Barb

So much for my NOT whipping into town on every whim 😐

Got nightcrawlers at a camping supply store! They had 'em in the fridge.

Found a 5 gallon bucket, dug out more soil near house foundation, added slimey leaves, moist shredded newspaper,
and yup, coffee grounds. Man are these worms fat and long 😯 (yech)
In they go.

No lid for the bucket. Would they crawl out? 😕
Barb

Barb,

Those are some healthy looking worms. I'll have to get a picture of mine. Did you fill the bucket all the way up? If not I don't they they will crawl out.

Dean

They had my in a fridge also. I had to wake them up. LOL! I added composted manure and Coffee Grounds. I will add some paper later tonight or tommorow.

Dean

That's a cute looking bunch... 😆 😆
How'd you wake them up?
I placed them on floor near the woodstove, they started moving within minutes.

Bucket's half full of native soil/leaves/clippings.
A piece of cardboard covers nicely.

And tonight we ate carrots and potatoes...needed the peelings 😉

Stooopid question: do these "crawler" worms get along with the earthworms I found in my garden soil?
Barb

Thanks! I woke them up by touching them, their still cool though. They were in the fridge. I coverd them with some wet newspaper.

I don't know how they'll get along with worms in your garden.

Dean

Barb,

I was told that Coffee Grounds hold little value as a worm food and that I should try peat moss.

Dean

Really?
Now that the worms haven't shown adverse affects from coffee grounds,
I'll add kitchen scraps that I'd normally throw in my bigger composter outside.

Peat moss isn't a waste product, so I don't plan to use it.
Barb

I bought some peat moss, but I can't belive someone said that Coffee Grounds are not a good worm food. Hmm, I think I'll wait for more info first.

Dean

Dean,
What proportion of coffee grounds to native soil/potting soil did you use? 50/50 or 100 per cent?
Do you plan on using kitchen scraps, too?

I think the reason for the shredded newspaper (besides bedding initially) is to absorb excess moisture,
thereby preventing smelly compost.
Mine's in the basement so I'll be adding some more shredded newspaper.
Barb

Barb,

Yes, initially I had mixed about 50/50 Coffee Grounds to composted manure. I plan on using kitchen scraps too.

I'm keeping mine in the garage, it's getting warmer so they should be okay.

Dean