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compost worms

 
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snowball
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
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Location: swindon
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 8:23 am    Post subject: compost worms Reply with quote
    

Excuse my ignorance
Is there any advantage to putting a few ordinary garden worms in my compost bin; or do they have to be a special type that are only used in the layered compartment method?

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
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Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 10:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

The paler large garden worms I would say no, they seem to prefer soil. The smaller red bramlings (sp?) yes as they love fresh veg material. In our garden they can be found under old veg that has been left on the garden for a few days and has started to rot.

Gervase



Joined: 17 Nov 2004
Posts: 8655

PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Wot treacodactyl said - when you buy a composter, the expensive worms they send you are brandlings. You'll find 'em for free in any decent compost pile.
You may need a little bit of lime in the compost mix, as they're not too keen on acid conditions (and the lime will help keep the fruit fly population down).

Treacodactyl
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Perhaps a bag of rotting manure from a local stables would also be a good source, or pop round to a friends heap.

sean
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Location: North Devon
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Treacodactyl wrote:
, or pop round to a friends heap.


Brilliant: "I'm just popping next door to borrow a bucket of compost dear....."

Gertie



Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Ah, I wondered what those little red worms (brandlings) were. We've got absolutely loads of them in our old muck heap. When I brought some of the old manure up to put on our garden, I moved some of them into my compost bin (haven't seen them lately). I've probably killed the poor little b*ggers off!!!!

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

sean wrote:
Treacodactyl wrote:
, or pop round to a friends heap.


Brilliant: "I'm just popping next door to borrow a bucket of compost dear....."


We have quite a few in the warmer months and could give some away to anyone local. I'm not going to try and post them.

Treacodactyl
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 5:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Gertie wrote:
I've probably killed the poor little b*ggers off!!!!


They tend to be more active in the warmer months, in the cold they don't move too much or breed I think. There are some worm breeders on here, they'll know more about them.

Gertie



Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 5:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thanks for that, Treacodactyl, I don't like the thought of being a murderess

Mind you, I agree, I wouldn't fancy sending any of them to anyone - even if they are quiet and not breeding at the moment!

Gertie



Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 7:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

It could be fun sending them to someone you weren't very keen on.

snowball
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Posts: 6240
Location: swindon
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 8:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Thanks everyone.
It's okay, I am not looking forward to receiving any worms through my letter box, unless I've upset anyone.

Gertie



Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 1638
Location: Yorkshire
PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 05 8:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

I can't imagine you would ever upset anyone, Snowball!!

wellington womble



Joined: 08 Nov 2004
Posts: 15051
Location: East Midlands
PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 05 9:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Gervase wrote:
Wot treacodactyl said - when you buy a composter, the expensive worms they send you are brandlings. You'll find 'em for free in any decent compost pile.
You may need a little bit of lime in the compost mix, as they're not too keen on acid conditions (and the lime will help keep the fruit fly population down).


Now you bloody tell me - I just bought a can of worms (well had it for christmas!) At this rate (especially if I have to keep putting the little buggers back in it) I'll need about three. I'm being very patient (for me!)

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