Purchasing worms is typically done to improve soil health, manage organic waste through vermicomposting, or acquire live bait for fishing. These “garden worms” are beneficial earthworms introduced into a specific environment to perform a biological function. This guide details how to choose the correct species, where to find them, and what immediate steps to take after they arrive.
Identifying the Right Worm for the Job
The world of beneficial worms is divided into distinct ecological groups, and selecting the correct one depends entirely on your project’s goal. For managing kitchen scraps and creating nutrient-rich fertilizer, you will want composting worms, known scientifically as epigeic species. These surface dwellers, like the Red Wiggler (Eisenia fetida), thrive in decaying organic matter and consume large amounts of waste near the top layer of a compost bin or pile. They are robust, reproduce quickly, and tolerate a wide temperature range, generally between 55°F and 95°F, making them ideal for beginners.
If your primary goal is improving soil structure, aeration, and drainage in a garden bed, look for species that naturally burrow deep into the earth. These are generally anecic or endogeic species, with the European Nightcrawler (Eisenia hortensis) being a popular choice. European Nightcrawlers are larger than Red Wigglers and create extensive vertical and horizontal tunnels, which moves nutrients deeper into the soil profile. Their larger size and tendency to burrow deeper mean they are highly valued for soil health and as live fishing bait.
Specific Sources for Purchasing Worms
The most reliable way to acquire large quantities of healthy worms is through specialized online suppliers or dedicated worm farms. These commercial operations often provide a live delivery guarantee and ship the worms in climate-controlled packaging to ensure survival during transit. Buying directly from a breeder allows access to specific species, bulk weights, and a consistent supply, which is useful for establishing a large vermicomposting system. Shipping typically uses priority mail services to minimize the time the organisms spend in transit.
Local options provide immediate convenience, often without shipping costs or delays. Garden supply stores, local nurseries, and large agricultural centers frequently stock Red Wigglers, especially during peak gardening seasons. However, the variety of species available at these retailers is often limited, and the stock may not be as specialized as what a dedicated worm farm offers. Call ahead to ensure they have the desired species and quantity in stock before making a trip.
Bait shops represent a third, accessible source, especially if you seek European or Canadian Nightcrawlers for soil improvement or fishing. These retailers sell worms in smaller containers, typically counted by the dozen or fifty, which can be expensive for large-scale projects. While convenient for small-scale needs, the conditions in bait shop containers are usually optimized for short-term storage rather than establishing a new population. Always ensure the worms are lively and the bedding is moist before completing a purchase.
Initial Care and Acclimation Post-Purchase
Receiving live, shipped worms requires immediate attention to ensure their survival after the stress of transit. Upon opening the package, gently examine the contents to confirm the worms appear active and that the shipping materials are still slightly damp. If the worms seem sluggish, they need prompt transfer to a prepared habitat.
A prepared bin or garden space with moist bedding is necessary to prevent further stress and dehydration. The bedding material, such as shredded paper or peat moss, should feel like a wrung-out sponge—damp but not saturated—as composting worms can drown in standing water. Gently separate the worms and their original shipping material, placing them on top of the new bedding.
To encourage the worms to burrow and settle into their new environment, expose the surface to a dim light for a few hours, as they naturally avoid light. Allow them a recovery period of 24 to 48 hours to acclimate before introducing any new food scraps. Maintaining a consistent temperature, ideally between 55°F and 77°F, during this initial period promotes successful establishment of the new colony.