That was my first question when I started thinking about setting up a bin. The replies I got said that the garden variety worm likes to go more deeply into the soil than the ones commonly used for vermicomposting.

Has anyone tried setting up a bin with garden worms?
Carmellia

Well, if they are so demanding of deep soil then that sort of begs the question "what are they doing in a small bag of potting soil?", doesn't it?

We, myself included, often speak of earthworm characterization in terms of well defined areas of the soil in which they work, but in truth, environmental preferences between the deep burrowing and surface dwelling worms are not necessarily that strictly defined. Yes, anecic worms that build permanent vertical burrows downward through all the mineral soil layers prefer this environment, but the operative word here is "prefer". Most humans prefer tropical environments, too, yet many still live in Minnesota! Deep burrowing worms will often spend time in bags of soil, in compost piles, in dung heaps, even in worm bins. They will not grow as quickly as they would were they living in their ideal environment, but they seem to enjoy the vacation to these alternative areas.

As to their presence in pots, chances are the deep-burrowing species will ultimately migrate out of the pot, largely because the pot environment tends to see some pretty significant fluctuations in temperature, not having the advanatage of the earth as an insulator. These types of worms tend to prefer a pretty stable environment of moisture and temperature. Still, it is possible they will remain, particularly if the natural soil is experiencing a very hot, dry period. One reason worms will migrate to pots, bags of soil and mulched gardens from the surrounding natural soil environment is because they are seeking greater contact with moisture. And yes, they will continue to provide the pot with castings as long as there is a food source for them. If they eat, they're gonna poop! If you want to try to encourage worms in your pots consider keeping a layer of leaves or moss on the pot surface to both act as a food source and to help insulate the soil, creating a bit more environmental stability for them.

One possible downside to worms in the pots is that their continual movement through the soil can make it so loose that plants tip over. This is not the result of worms EATING or damaging the roots, but is simply a function of the soil being kept very loose. Plant roots tend to prefer good, firm soil contact. Keep an eye out for this.

If you decide to try keeping a few worms in pots, let us all know how it works out for you, won't you?

Kelly S

I have various size containers around my place, and when I'm moving things about and find worms basking in the moist shade underneath, I pick'em up and put'em in the nearest container for a little lunch in the compost rich soil - haven't had any problems I noticed yet, and I'm sure most of the containers would yield worms if you looked!!

Bill

funny you should post this nancy, Ive just had the same thing happen at my place. I have a bag of organic potting mix that was too heavy to move so I left it out and opened it up to use some, and we've had a bit of rain here lately. Unfortunately some water pooled on the top of the bag and I noticed some drowned earthworms in the little pool and couldnt figure out why they climbed up the bag just to drown themselves, but when I went to use some of the potting mix I saw some moving around inside the bag. I guess they were looking for a change of scenery!