Comments on: Starting a Worm Farming Business

By: Bentley

Bentley — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:07:04 +0000

Hi Erika,
I am actually in the process of working on a project very similar to what you are looking for. Hoping to launch sometime early in the spring. Feel free to email me for more details.

By: erika brown

erika brown — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:50:05 +0000

Hi my name is erika. I am trying to start my first business and i was considering worm farming. I know absolutely NOTHING about this business or worms period! what would be the best type of worms to farm? I am also short on funds. I have about $1000 but that’s about all I can give right now. Do you know of any programs out there that are low cost but also show you how to get started and keep it going? I am doing research but am still a little bit clueless and would like to hear from those who are already in this field. Thank you in advance for your help!

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:50:08 +0000

Are there any companys that just broker worms and or castings that are willing to buy worms and castings in large quantities

By: scott

scott — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:32:53 +0000

don’t know if there’s any difference, or how much, but the bait worms sold as (redworms?) in western Michigan,USA last summer were in quanities of (30) for $3.69… again, in U.S. dollars. Got to where it was cheaper to buy the fish dinner :0 …. between myself and my two boys….. they’re fishing fools…

By: Bentley

Bentley — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:49:54 +0000

Hi Bill,
Really sorry for the delay replying Bill. To reach me more directly, I highly recommend you simply email me: bentley @ redwormcomposting.com (no spaces).
I’m not a bait dealer myself, so not sure what to suggest in that department.
Peat moss is generally a good packing material. I personally prefer to have a bit more ‘life’ in my shipping bags, so I include some compost as well.

By: Bill Hartlin

Bill Hartlin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:51:07 +0000

Gd Day;

Thanks for telling me about the other Ontario. I went to Hollywood one time & ended up in southern Flordia hehe.

I have found a bait shop that will take any extra worms, so I ordered from PEI has I had a gift cert.$50 for one pound.(wow)

I am told and have read that red worms will live up to 3 years, but not according to the above.

Would you mind telling me how much I should charge for a doz worms &how should I pack them?

Bill

By: Bentley

Bentley — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:38:28 +0000

Hi Bill,
I assume you are talking about Ontario, Canada (there is also an Ontario, California) based on your growing zone. I guess you weren’t aware of the fact that I too hail from Ontario (the cold one, that is – haha). You should check out my winter worm composting posts for some ideas re: keeping beds active outside all winter long. Here is a link to my latest update:
http://www.redwormcomposting.com/large-scale-vermicomposting/winter-worm-composting-02-09-09/

You may also want to check out my Canadian site:
http://www.wormcomposting.ca/

As for putting composting worms in your garden – I would definitely only recommend this if you set up a zone very rich in organic matter. I set up vermicomposting trenches in my gardens last year and this seemed to work very well!

By: Bill Hartlin

Bill Hartlin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:31:46 +0000

Received your prompt answers to my two questions & I thank you for that.
I received a gift certificate to buy a pound of red worms for Xmas. That has twiged my interest in Red Worms which has led me to your blog.

I live in Ont Ca, in growing zone 4 and of course it gets cold here in the winter time. I say that because I am concerned about living worms in my basement. Especially when my wife thinks they will get as big as snakes ha ha.

One thing we have to remember is that worms are a living thing,& when I take on the responsibility of feeding them & providing the proper living conditions we cannot treat them like a neglected pet.

Only if I can find a local bait shop to buy the extra worms will I start composting with worms, because it is toooo cold here to put them in my garden.

Bill

By: Bentley

Bentley — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:19:41 +0000

Patricia – I’m sure a moderate amount of vinegar left on materials going into the worm bin should be totally fine.

Bob – thanks for chiming in! You’ve highlighted some really important things. What you may find is that if you start a business like this in a relaxed/fun frame of mind and you “don’t need the money”, it can be surprising how quickly it takes off.

Definitely not a “if you build it, they will come” sorta business – as mentioned multiple times above, getting the word out is really important.

By: Bob Packard

Bob Packard — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:20:19 +0000

Todd & Bentley
I’d like to add a little here. Starting a worm business is no different than starting any business. Research, planning, executing, marketing, getting product and selling. Who is the competition, what do they sell, how much do they charge, who are the customers? Are you willing to do all of those things by yourself? Do you have sufficient startup funds for inventory, bins, food, shipping materials, etc?

Do you know enough about worms to convince your customers to trust you? Can you deliver what you say you can? There is a market for castings, but can you get, package and deliver them competively. In my case the competition is cheaper chemical fertilzer, so alot of customer education is necessary. Are you prepared for that? Todd I’ve accomplished some of this in a short period of time because I didn’t need the money, I’m retired and can devote as much time as I care to and I’ve had some very good teachers and mentors. If they read this they know who they are.

I thank all of them and say good luck to you Todd. I hope it all works out for you.

Thanks Bentley for letting me share.

Bob, The Windy Worm