What Is the Ideal Soil for Raising Worms?

by BrittanyP

Overview

Worms prefer living in a rich, moist soil. Worms thrive in soil that has plenty of nutrients for food. In addition, worms need a fair amount of oxygen to prosper.
Moisture

Worms can easily dry out and die if their environment is lacking in moisture. However, if the soil is too wet, worms can drown from a lack of oxygen. The moisture of your soil should resemble that of a rung-out sponge in order for your worm farm to thrive.

Bedding

When beginning a worm farm, it is important to have proper bedding. Soak scrap cardboard in water overnight. Layer the cardboard and soil in a container. Allow the container to sit for a few days before adding worms. This will help your soil to maintain a healthy amount of moisture.
Food

To ensure the soil is rich in nutrients, spread food throughout the worms' container by burying little pockets of compost a couple days before adding the worms. The added nutrients will help your worms survive and grow.
Dark

Worms prefer a dark environment and will flee from light. If the container you've chosen for your worm farm is clear, covering it with a blanket or keeping it in a dark room will be necessary to keep your worms from trying to escape the light. If you are having problems with your worms escaping from their container, try shining a light directly overhead. This will cause them to burrow deeper into the soil where its dark.
Warning

Soil with a sand-like texture can be damaging to worms. Since worms breathe through their skin it is important to avoid sandy soils.