Building a Worm Breeding System from Scratch

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[@priscillahudson3625]

Awesome ! Congratulations! Looking forward to hearing/seeing more of what you’re doing. Going deeper myself. Currently I’ve got 2 5-gallons pails and 2 3 1/2-gallon pails of red wrigglers going and am doubling that today because there are baby worms everywhere! Also cleaning off my back porch preparing for the expansion, the bathtub in my hall bath just isn’t big enough! 😄🪱 Thank you again. Excited for you! (And me, too!)

[@funnysods]

Thank you so much Matt. I've just came across your videos when looking for help in filling my first flow through. I totally agree, there is a big future in raising worms, not only for fishing and worm casts, but even maybe replacing all the fertilizers in use with healthy worm populations to increase the soil productivity. I'm starting over here in the UK with a bin that's 60" X 21"X 21" and I've built it in my greenhouse to avoid the worst of the winter. I'll keep you posted as to how it goes, but thanks for your advice and also your enthusiasm.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Keep us posted William. Would love to see photos of your greenhouse setup - you can send to [e-mail] or share at discuss.wormpeople.com/space/882054414

[@SindySchneck]

So excited for you and your community! Really interested in your mentoring program. I have a small plant nursery and have just started to set up my worm farm with the goal of doing something very similar for my community (supply them with castings and worms!). The more people we can convince to start a small worm farm, the better!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hi Sindy! Great to hear about your interest in the mentoring program. I believe local is the future... every single person is a potential customer for home vermiculture or castings/tea. We’ll be sharing more information about the mentorship program through the Worm People newsletter, be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already wormpeople.com/subscribe/

[@LittleCountryCabin]

Another great video that helps me so much. Thank you!! I’ve purchased from Meme’s worms and was so pleased with them. Packaged with care and the worms arrived in great shape. Highly recommend!!

[@MemesWorms]

Thank you for the recommend!!

[@LittleCountryCabin]

@@MemesWorms You’re quite welcome😉

[@A-V]

I was under the impression that Euros are the type of worm that remain really active even after being placed on a hook & used as bait. The breeder setup looks awesome. Keep up the great work!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey AV! Thank You! I've heard the same thing about Red Wigglers... that they remain active on the hook for much longer than typical nightcrawler bait. I definitely need to learn more about fishing worms and maybe talk to some fisherman for sure.

[@A-V]

I'm no fisherman, but I have watched a few worm farming videos geared for anglers in which the basic aim is to demo how to grow them fat. It was in some of those videos where I heard about how the ENCs seem to be the worm breed of choice for bait because of their tendency to remain active for longer - making them more likely to draw the attention of hungry fishies :)

[@brookeonyx6271]

I’ve tried various worms and like the ENC’s best so far. I’d like to try ANC’s but the fish here prefer the ENC’s over CNC due to size so wonder how much of an issue that would be with ANC’s…still want some though!

[@stevefromthegarden1135]

That is quite a system you're putting together for breeding the worms Matt.

[@tlnelson7598]

The big red growing machine. Awesome work Capt.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey TL... yeah... we need to name this thing! Thanks for the encouragement.

[@littlegreendudelgd5613]

Awesome video! Thank you, Captain Matt. Last summer I built two 3 tier worm bins (non-CTF). One for red wigglers and the other for night crawlers (for personal fishing). In the fall, I did a worm count and my red wigglers population had grown nicely. However, the crawlers were all gone. They seem to be escape artists. I'm wondering if you will have the same experience.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey littlegreendude here's a good discussion on the topic discuss.wormpeople.com/post/612139204

[@tanyiarainbow9919]

Yes night crawlers live up to there name!!!

[@LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp]

Matt i saw the video you did at Memes. I Am About 40 minutes from her. Bought RW from her ow an affiliate of hers. Very much enjoy your videos.

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

AWESOME! Looks like my system but I use smaller bins. The heat mats are great, the heated bins ideal temp should be 80f. I love your videos 🥰

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks We have really enjoyed your expertise and have learned much from you, thanks

[@flirt1diva]

Wow ur in NYC, super cool. Hope we meet one day, been hobby worm farming since 2015 and decided I want to start a business in the field this year...Only have a couple thousand worms now but I plan on breeding a bunch this year(2023) while I do major research on the business aspect. Ur videos have been very encouraging.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey there! We're near Albany, upstate. Glad to help. People like you that research first are in a good spot!

[@kevinjackson1370]

Like the idea and system. I am just starting and watching everything I can find. I did have a few questions. It appeared that maybe you are using concrete mixing tubs? They seem to be 5 in depth vs 7in for bus bins. Was I correct? Assuming they are 5 I would assume you are fine with that size for breeder/cocoon bins. I also thought that you were hanging them from the sides (1"x2"s?) Assuming that you may be adding heat mats to the higher levels, are you going to just put a small shelf to put the mats and the bins on? If you are already putting a video on the system up, I can wait. Also looked like the upper levels may also be at a slight angle (perhaps the camera distortion) If they are angled - what was the purpose? Thanks for any response. Also thinking of your back (and mine) again - have you ever thought of adding an angled piece of sheet metal on the CF bins to possibly angle the castings right into a container?

[@southsidemikevlogs]

I am learning alot about worm farming

[@KetilFroyn]

Thanks for sharing! I'm curious about how you keep your worm facilities free of flies and gnats and other critters. Many of them can coexist with the worms, but they are a real nuisance to us bipeds. I'm surprised you're not infested after using horse manure, for example. Do you have any tips?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Ketil... we just had an article in the last WormPeople newsletter about fruitfly and gnat control. You can subscribe at wormpeople.com/subscribe/. ... drop me an email at matt@captainmattsworms and we'll get you that back-issue.

[@TheVeteranDavid]

Where did you purchase the breeder bin? Thanks. Love your channel

[@LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp]

Lowes or Home Depot. Cost a out 9.00 each. I plan to build racks like this.

[@jawjerker9470]

Another Great video, are you going to show how you built the rack just like you did for the CFT??

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

That's the plan... Jaw. Looking to find the time for Mark to draw up schematics. We’ll be sharing more information through the Worm People newsletter, be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already wormpeople.com/subscribe/

[@eggsonastick8764]

Great work Captain Matt Wondering how the 50 African night crawlers are working out - any reason for so few worms in a bucket - i'm building my herd of ANC and could use your input on the breeder buckets

[@brookeonyx6271]

Since nobody has had a chance to answer I’ll give you my 2cents. AFC’s are very large and can easily outgrow a bin. If they are too crowded they won’t breed as much or as quickly. I breed ENC’s, which are smaller, and find that 140 in a 2 sq ft bin works best for me, less and they produce the same per worm-more and they produce 1-2 less per worm. It’s a balancing act. Each person will have a slightly difficult results, but they shouldn’t be off by much. I hope that helps.

[@TheNamihar]

Many thanks , Captain Matt nice worm farming we'll soon joint the Wormpeople 🤫🤔🤔🙂

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Welcome, Rahiman! Glad to have you!

[@randywells4674]

Where do you get the black trays

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Concrete trays from Home Depot/Lowes - some folks also use restaurant bus bins from restaurant supply store

[@paulsoutbackgardenaustrali7674]

Hi Matt....I'm guessing the heat matt's only really need to be used on breeder bins...so once they hatch its ok just leave in a bin without a heat mat...also...just asking how many should be put in a breeder bin and fishing worms....I'm wanting to set up European nightcrawlers... any other videos have u to link me to view.thanks...ps how long to fatten up fishing worms.thnx

[@Monotarian]

Congratulations captain

[@texaspatty4697]

I like to put a 2 inch layer of casting 8 inches below the surface, to get the roots to extend themselves down deep. Then I put a good scoop under and around each seedling that I plant. And I plant much closer together. It turns into a fruitful jungle.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Love it… thanks for sharing your technique, Patty!

[@lupusk9productions]

i might have missed it in the video but where and what do you feed all those worms?

[@bocabob100]

Captain Matt !!!!!! I live in Fair Haven, Vermont and just started worm farming. Do you consider me local so I can buy worms from you. I love your videos and have been inspired !!!!!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Great to hear from you, Robert. Sure... if you'll do pickup. I don't ship worms. Looks like you're 1.5 hrs from me. Drop me a note if you're interested at wormpeople.com/contact/

[@Earthmadegarden]

Dude your in NY no way!!! I’m in Catskill NY and have a small worm farm!!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Neighbor! So great to hear! Would love to hear more about your setup. Feel free to drop me a note and/or pics to [e-mail]

[@terrieholloway9066]

WOW! LOVE IT!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks for the encouragement, Terrie!

[@LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp]

Matt are an affiliate Lowes/Home Depot. If do do you ..ind if i list my affiliate link for the trays.

[@phildriggers6033]

I would love to be a part of your group please. Paula Driggers in Lockhart Texas

[@texaspatty4697]

Greenville, TX, here. I wish we were closer!

[@brianbarlow7289]

Hi captain Matt. I would love to be in your mentoring program

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Brian... great to hear of your interest. We’ll be sharing more information about the mentoring program through the Worm People newsletter, be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already wormpeople.com/subscribe/

[@markhook499]

Where are your heat matts from and size, dimensions?

[@texaspatty4697]

When the fishermen break the ice and drop hooks with African Nightcrawlers into the water, the worms will die, I think, in the cold. Will they still attract fish?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Patty... I was joking a bit about them breaking the ice to fish... ice fishing in the winter is huge in our area... and ramps up even more in the warmer months. Not sure if worms are ever used for ice fishing... would love to hear from someone who knows!

[@texaspatty4697]

@@CaptainMattsWorms I lived in Albany and Troy in the 70s. The Hudson River iced over completely in the winter. Does it still? It wasn't smooth ice, either. It froze in thick, wave-like, dirty layers.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

@@texaspatty4697 Small world! The river is much cleaner these days... but still freezes like that as the layers of ice pile up.

[@wormsforlife7352]

@@CaptainMattsWorms In my area the diehard worm people use Canadian nightcrawlers in the winter. Most fisher people use Wax Worms (bee moth larva), Mousies (drone fly larvae), Spikes (blue bottle fly larvae/maggots) and Mayfly larvae for pan fish and use minnows for game fish when ice fishing. As soon as the ice melts the fisher people go back to sized Canadian nightcrawlers and minnows.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Oh Matt, I'm so excited for you 🪱🪱 I think your grandsons are going to inherent a great business in a few decades 👍🪱👍 I am THRILLED for you, your family and your local community 👍 🙏👍

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thank you so much, Peggy. You've got to be one of the most encouraging people on KZbin! I'd love to read your worming autobiography sometime (in greater detail than you've shared in bits here and there). Perhaps you could write your story as an article for the Worm People newsletter? Drop me an email at [e-mail] if you're interested. I'm a subscriber to your channel and love the wisdom you're putting out into the world.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Agreed!

[@NanasWorms]

Those giant bags are such a good idea, Matt! I love your mission to saturate your local community with worms, castings and tea! ~ Sandra

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks, Sandra. I love what you're doing on your channel and just subscribed. The world is changed by changing ourselves and our immediate surroundings... local is the future of vermiculture!

[@NanasWorms]

Thanks so much! I agree we can model good practices and help others get started. The worms make such a difference to our garden I can’t imagine gardening any other way now. ~ Sandra

[@paulburton2850]

you are a huge inspiration Matt. Love the enthusiasm

[@jonasstummer5032]

Dear Worm comunity I am from Austria, I have a question. Do the breeder worms get some food for the 3 Weeks, where they are laying cocoons?

[@wormsforlife7352]

Yes, when using breeder bins, they get top fed finely ground worm chow daily with a light misting to soften the chow, just enough chow for a 24-hour period. If the bin starts to run dry, moisture is applied to the bedding before top feeding with chow. When breeding worms using the batch method the worm chow is mixed in with the bedding at 3 cups per 5 gal. of bedding, with that method the equation is 150 3" breeders to a gallon of bedding, 125 3.5" worms per gal of bedding or 100 4" adults per gallon of bedding. With the batch method the cocoons from the Dendro's are collected every 21 days, during the 21 days the worms are left uncovered and undisturbed (the moisture has to be spot on). If the top is covered the worms will not work through and convert all the bedding. Using the batch method, the size and number of worms listed above is what will produce pure worm castings in the 21-day period, the only caveat is the bedding has to be pulverized/shredded and or sifted thru an 1/8" screen or smaller and the bedding has to be compost, peat (reed sedge) or aged animal manures. The batch method can be scaled from 1 gal to 50 gal, and the depth should not exceed 12". Enjoy worms and have a great Day!

[@Th4thWiseman]

Fantastic Matt another step in the right direction and setting a magnificent example how to help those around you so everybody gets to flourish together 👍 Thankyou once again!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks Joe, your video will be out soon

[@patricklee8360]

I have been using the bin system for a while now, works great for breeding

[@TheVeteranDavid]

Where did you purchase the breeder bins? Love your channel

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

I get mine on Amazon

[@raivenbeatz1468]

@@TheGardenAndWormLady are they the same as the ones in the video? If so could you drop a link thanks

[@theresemenez4964]

What do you use for bedding in your breeder bins?

[@TheGardenAndWormLady]

@@theresemenez4964 I use peat moss mostly but at the moment I’m using coconut coir because Pete moss I really can’t get till spring

[@childrenofthegoddess]

Beautiful man. Just beautiful. Thank you captain Matt

[@lifeoftraveling8330]

I'm looking for info on how European night crawlers and different worms from colder areas compared to hotter climate worms

[@vickijones9662]

JUST GETTING STARTED NO WORMS YET , THIS IS GREAT WHAT YOUR DOING.

[@steelbrad]

Thank you for all you do captain Matt.

[@LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp]

Very interested in the me toring plan.

[@skelly607]

What temperature for breeding?

[@heartforthehome8831]

Just want to say "hi" and thanks for the content 😊

[@troydunn6228]

We appreciate your encouragement and enthusiasm.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Troy! Thank you... I can't help myself sometimes - worm farming is exciting and meaningful work.. actually it doesn't feel like work at all for me.

[@PlantObsessed]

Do you think you will have 75 degrees in the grow out bins too?

[@MariaGonzalez-p9o]

Are you still offering remote mentorships? My grown daughter and I just ordered worms online and want to become worm people and pass on the blessing.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Sign up for the newsletter at WormPeople.com and join community.wormpeople.com - we’ve got a herd of people helping each other.

[@stuartveronneau]

what's the best location to start a worm farm on my property? Do I need to buy one of the those sheds from home depot, and install it in my backyard, or do can I start breeding worms in my laundry room?

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Stuart... temperature is the most challenging aspect to regulate. I'd suggest you start in a place you can regulate temps year round (from extremes).

[@lauren4622]

Love your videos! Thank you so much for the knowledge you share for free. Please make some hats/shirts to sell online! “We are worm people” is an amazing slogan I’d love to wear around!

[@alicejyi4705]

Hello from france. I love your channel.. keep going. PS. Pity I cant order anything from you or get it locally !!

[@benkermen8360]

Dang Matt, you even have a red car.

[@kagarden8465]

thank you for sharing

[@rickthelian2215]

Great Expansion for your local community 😀🇦🇺✅

[@yes350yes]

Thanks Mat , great ideas for anyone who loves worming and those that can expand and want to.

[@Khaliqsim]

Big inspiration!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks, Khalid! I look forward to hearing about your success!

[@lloydrobertson9590]

Captain man you really know how to industrialize worms

[@atomp153]

How big is this work shop? I would like to start one of my own.

[@flatsville9343]

What size mortar trays are your new breeder bins?

[@ookiee1]

What do you feed your worms?

[@gajbirthapa4239]

Great video great idea .

[@RiverGeek662]

You inspire me Captain Matt! My kids love worms and I love my kids, so we’re trying to raise some worms! Right now I’m just trying to learn how to care for the worms, so we’ve only got about 100. I’m learning so much from your videos. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

You’re welcome… you can do it!

[@יונתןפוקס]

First of all I want to thank you for the great work you are doing. I really enjoy the videos on KZbin. I wanted to ask if you could please enable automatic translation into the Hebrew language in the settings of the videos? That would be awesome :) Thanks a lot!

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Thanks for reaching out. Will do. If anyone else would like your language enabled for subtitles, please let us know. It is a manual step for each language - but glad to do so if helpful.

[@Grateful.For.Everything]

I can't wait to be a worm person lol, seriously though, I am genuinely very excited to get involved in caring for worms of my own.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Glad to have you as part of the Worm People, JN!

[@kenmiller4374]

Hi Capt Matt, Is that your call sign on your shirt, WHVC? I’m an old navy signalman so I noticed the flags.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Good eye their mate, “Waterford Harbor Visitors Center”. I have a tour business on the Hudson River.

[@Jaqob76]

I have ideas of doing something similar in the CNY area. Not something that I could do now but am working for it.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Hey Jacob, drop me an email at [e-mail] I’d love to see how I could help you get to that goal.

[@lannadelarosa]

What is the ideal temperature for the breeding trays on the heating mats?

[@nithinkich1456]

80F

[@nathanorgeron4533]

We’re you get the bins

[@LarryWileyWormFarm-ey8lp]

Lowes/Home Depot called morter trays.

[@bigmart156]

Great video. Your new bin system seems more appropriate for me as I have back problems and climbing under the CFT would likely be painful. Could you please let me know where you purchased all those bins? Thanks. Keep the videos coming. Appreciate your love for the crawlers.

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Lowes. Mortar tubs

[@ericcarve4476]

These are cheap and available at any store that sells cement mix. The last batch I bought at Home Depot for around $6 USDea. Who knows how much they are these days with inflation.

[@bigmart156]

@@ericcarve4476 Thanks. The only problem is that I’m in Canada and Home Depot shows the bin as “not available in your area”. It really sucks. Other similar store are the same. Therefore, I was wondering if there was a special supplier somewhere. Thanks for your response.