Raising Worms in the Desert Southwest

[tortoisedave]

Hello, I'm a newcomber to the forum from the Phoenix area interested in information specific to raising worms in the Arizona desert. I've had excellent luck over the last 15 years with red wigglers in my yard and am now trying other species to see what will happen. I recently introduced some Alabama Jumpers into the yard as well as some Canadian Nightcrawlers that most people say don't have a chance around here. I have them in an eastern exposure in the shade and they are loving it now but summer is another story. I have witnessed the Canadians breeding so they must be happy for now. I'm also experimenting with a mixture of red wigglers, European crawlers, Alabama jumpers and Canadians in a tiered bin. Been running that maybe 2 months and lots of cacoons of two sizes. I believe the red wigglers and the Alabama jumpers. Lots of babies. The collection in the compost bin are intended for fishing.

[The Worm Expert]

Dave,

Welcome to the forum.

Sounds as if you have it going on... Not sure what your winters are like, however if warm enough I would suggest trying the African Nightcrawlers as they do like the heat better than most worms.

As for the Alabama Jumpers and Canadian nightcrawlers, should be interesting at least over the winter months to which thrives better out there. Please keep us updated.

Thanks

Bruce