Salt Spring Global Worming carries two types of worms: Eisenia foetida the vermicomposting worm, and Eisenia hortensis, the bait worm commonly known as the European Nightcrawler.

Redworms
Eisenia foetida

Common earthworms, found in your garden, will not be suitable for vermicomposting. They are not happy in a bin, and are not able to decompose organic matter in the same way as "Red Wigglers". Redworms are surface dwellers, while most earthworms found in your garden are burrowers, needing to live well below the surface. Garden variety earthworms build burrows, and do not like to
be disturbed. Wigglers, on the other hand, do not mind having their bedding disturbed by the addition of food waste.

Eisenia foetida will consume large amounts of organic matter, will live happily in a bin which meets their needs, and will multiply rapidly. They live in a fairly wide temperature range and will supply you with nutrient rich castings. Before long, one pound of wigglers, given the proper environment, should be able to consume one-half of a pound of garbage daily.

European Nightcrawlers
Eisenia hortensis

Salt Spring Global Worming is one of the few growers in Western Canada of the European Nightcrawler. This worm is the ideal bait worm. While most nightcrawlers require refrigeration, the European Nightcrawler is able to live successfully at room temperature. This makes it easy for the fisherman to transport this bait worm to the fishing hole. This worm also serves a dual purpose, in that it is also capable of vermicomposting. While the European Nightcrawler's reproduction rate is not at rapid as the Red Wiggler, it has the advantage of being able to burrow through your garden and loosen the soil, while adding valuable castings to your garden.