Redworms in the garden

[catmando56]

I have been adding redworms to my garden in San Diego, Ca and the worms are doing well. My question is what is the best mulch to spread over them for food ? My plan is 2 inches over them every 6 months.

Thanks,

John

[Brian M]

Hello John,
I think any sort of organic mulch will be fine just as long as you keep it damp. Not sure of exactly where you are but sugar cane mulch is good. Keeps us informed as to which way you go.

Brian

[catmando56]

In this post changing the game plan from R.W. to jumpers which is the next breed of worms . My mulch will be shredded newspapers and on top of that hay not (straw). I live in San Diego, Ca so the worms should do well. Need more info on the Jumpers before I buy from Bruce. Will keep you posted. If this is not a good plan please let me know.

Thanks,

John

[Brian M]

Sorry John I cant help you with this one. You will have to wait for Bruce. Alabama Jumpers seem to be a good choice for improving soil judging by some of the previous posts I have read. We don't have them here in Australia

[The Worm Expert]

John

The shredded newspaper by itself will feed the worms but not add any real nutritional value.

For either red wigglers or the Alabama Jumpers you will want something more nutritional though you can mix with the shredded newspaper or cover with the paper as well.

You could use some grass clippings, shredded leaves, aged manure... as well as be sure to add some agricultural lime to them. In the warmer months they will come up to feed and if too cold about 55 degrees or so Fahrenheit they will hunker down until it warms back up.

Bruce

[catmando56]

Wanted to a update on my garden which I have ( 2 ) 4 by 16 raised beds covered by my green house I made from pvc pipe and greenhouse plastic. I have been working with R .W. for 2 years in my garage and front loading my garden with them. The proof is this does work well and they have taken over my garden beds and now ready to plant when spring gets here. I do have some pepper plants in there now and have watched them come to life with the worms doing their job making the soil rich and dark. I feed them grass clippings and my made up grain food which I feed them in my garage . Its takes time but is well worth it in the long. I hope this info helps anyone who wants food
they eat not to be toxic and turn the quality of vegetables as the were 50 years ago.

John

[Benjy136]

Catmando 56

If you're still around, Thought I'd try to help Brian to bring this site back to life. Brian is an aussie with a lot more savvy than I, but he can't be everywhere at once (not meaning to limit you, Brian) I'm glad there's someone in California other than actors, polititians and progressives. As far as mulching goes, If you are close to any kind of mill, Lumber, paper, sugar, basket, etc., Most any natural porous medium will do for mulch. Of course, some things break down faster than others. Grass is excelent, but ,if you are getting it from someone else's lawn, make sure they're not treating the lawn with anything detremental to life. And, of course, the more worm-food value, the better, which is why sugar cane pulp was reccomended. Let us know how things are progressing, No post is too small (unless you're building a fence) lol

Ben
PS..What size garden are we looking at, and what are you growing?