Can Earthworms and Red Worms Live Together?
Earthworms are tube-shaped, segmented worms that live in the soil. They have a closed circulatory system, a coelom, and a central nervous system. They also contain clitella, the large, lighter-colored bands that contain their reproductive organs, only prominent during reproduction.
They have digestive systems adapted to breaking down organic materials, and they have a closed circulatory system that aids in transporting nutrients from the food to the intestines for further digestion. They also have calciferous glands in their stomach that help neutralize acidic foods passing through their digestive tracts.
These glands are important for a worm’s ability to break down proteins, carbohydrates and lipids in the food it feeds on. They also function to protect the worm from pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Their stomachs are also where a variety of chemical processes take place, including enymatic, lactic and enzyme breakdowns to make food more digestible. These chemicals are essential for worms to thrive in the environment, as they have to break down the nutrients they receive from the plants they eat and the water they drink.
They produce a waste known as worm castings, which is full of essential plant nutrients that contribute to the health of your garden. They’re also great at aerating the soil and helping to prevent water-logging.
Red wigglers can live and thrive at a wide range of temperatures, which is a bonus for composting. They will tolerate highs and lows well above 60 deg F, and they have the capability to reproduce and process organic waste between 55degF and 90degF.
In addition to being resilient, these worms have a voracious appetite for organic matter and can eat up to three times their weight in a week. They like decaying leaves, grasses and animal manure.
When you’re establishing a worm bin, start by filling it with bedding that is at least one-third to one-half full. This can be paper strips, crumbled newspapers, or other suitable material that’s soft to the touch and slightly damp.
Next, add a small amount of soil to help the worms’ digestion and then scraps from yard plants or kitchen-based foods. Worms burrow into the scraps and eat them, turning them into worm castings.
As a final tip, try to keep the bin at a moderate temperature so that the worms can thrive and multiply. This can be done by keeping it in a cool area or by placing it inside when the weather is warm outside.
To build a worm bin, you’ll need to select a bin with sufficient space for the worms to grow and a lid that’s securely attached. You’ll also need a few containers for water and a hose to rinse the bin from time to time.
You’ll also need to feed your worms with food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, shredded egg shells, coffee grounds and teabags. These items are easily digested and will give them a boost in energy. Avoid meat, bones and oily food products because they can attract flies and rodents that could be harmful to your worms.
