How To Make Money With Worms

You read that headline right and yes, you can make money with worms.

I know what the average reader is thinking, worms are gross. Or EW worms!

That’s okay because people like me (and hopefully you) read that headline and our excitement goes up.

So, the question is how do you make money from worms?

Ever been to Walmart?

Have you ever been to Walmart and gone to the fishing aisles? You’ll most likely see fishing poles, fishing clothing, lures, and a small refrigerator.

But what is in that small refrigerator? Worms! Most likely nightcrawlers. Which are one of the most used types of worm for fishermen.

But how can you make money from knowing this? By starting your own worm farm!

How to start a worm farm

Starting a worm farm isn’t as hard as it may seem. You want to follow some steps to make sure you are raising worms to be the thickest they can be. These steps should give you a good idea of how to start a worm farm:

1. Choose a location: Select a well-ventilated, shady spot that is protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The ideal temperature range for worm farming is between 55–77°F (13–25°C).
2. Select a worm bin: You can purchase a ready-made worm bin or make your own using plastic storage containers, wooden crates, or even an old bathtub. The container should have a lid to keep out light and retain moisture, and drainage holes in the bottom to prevent excess water buildup.
3. Prepare bedding material: Shred newspaper or cardboard into strips, and moisten them with water until they are damp but not soaking wet. Fill the worm bin with 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of bedding material, ensuring it’s fluffy to allow air circulation.
4. Purchase worms: Red wigglers are the most common worms used in worm farms. You’ll need about 1 pound (0.5 kg) of worms for every pound (0.5 kg) of daily food waste you plan to recycle.
5. Add worms to the bin: Gently spread the worms on top of the bedding material. They will naturally burrow down into the bedding. Keep the lid off the bin for 15–30 minutes to encourage the worms to burrow away from the light.
6. Feed your worms: Start feeding your worms small amounts of fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Avoid meat, dairy, oily foods, and citrus, as these can create odors and attract pests. Chop or blend the food waste to help the worms process it faster.
7. Maintain the worm farm: Keep the bedding moist by misting it with water if it starts to dry out. Stir the bedding gently every 1–2 weeks to maintain aeration. Monitor the temperature and moisture levels to ensure the worm farm remains in the ideal range.
8. Harvest worm castings: After 3–6 months, the worm bin should be filled with dark, nutrient-rich worm castings (vermicompost). To harvest, move the finished compost to one side of the bin and add fresh bedding and food scraps to the other side. The worms will migrate to the fresh food, allowing you to remove the castings for use in your garden.
9. Harvest worm tea: The liquid that drains from the worm bin, known as worm tea or leachate, is also a valuable fertilizer. Collect the liquid using a tray or bucket placed underneath the bin, and dilute it with water before applying it to your plants.
10. Expand your worm farm: If your worm population grows and you need more space, you can either divide the worms into multiple bins or upgrade to a larger worm farm.

If you follow these steps then you could be up and running in no time. My advice is to start your farm over the winter and give yourself a lot of time for your worms to grow in size.

How much can you expect to make as a worm farmer?

The income of worm farmers can vary widely depending on factors such as the scale of the operation, market demand, pricing, and business expenses. Here are a few different scenarios for worm farming income:

1. Hobbyist or small-scale worm farmers: Individuals who farm worms as a hobby or on a small scale may make a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year. This income typically comes from selling worms or worm castings to local gardeners, bait shops, or online customers. For many small-scale worm farmers, the goal may not be a primary income source, but rather a side income or a way to support their gardening or fishing hobbies.
2. Medium-scale worm farmers: Medium-scale worm farmers who have invested in infrastructure and are actively marketing their products may make a more substantial income. Their earnings can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on their business skills, pricing strategy, and market reach. These worm farmers often sell worms, worm castings, and vermicompost to a broader customer base, including commercial farmers, landscapers, nurseries, and retail outlets.
3. Large-scale worm farmers: Large-scale worm farming operations with high production volumes and extensive market reach can generate even higher revenues. These businesses may earn $50,000 to $100,000 or more per year. At this scale, worm farmers are usually selling to a wide variety of customers, including wholesalers, distributors, and large commercial operations.

Depending on what you want to do and how you want to operate your worm farm will determine which category you will fall into. To be successful as a worm farmer, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of worm biology, good business, and marketing skills, and a dedication to sustainable and ethical practices.

Another way to make money off worms

Maybe worm farming isn’t your cup of tea. There are other ways to make money off of worms.

1. Worm castings and vermicompost: Worm castings and vermicompost are organic, nutrient-rich soil amendments that are popular among gardeners and farmers. You can sell these products directly to consumers or through retail outlets, farmers’ markets, nurseries, or online platforms.
2. Worm tea: Worm tea, also known as worm compost tea or vermi-tea, is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping worm castings in water. It’s valued for its beneficial microbes and nutrients, which can help improve soil health and plant growth. You can produce and sell worm tea to gardeners and farmers, either as a standalone product or as a complementary offering to your worm castings and vermicompost.
3. Worm bins and worm farm kits: Many people are interested in starting their own worm composting systems at home. You can design and sell worm bins, complete worm farm kits, or accessories to help people get started with vermicomposting. This can include pre-packaged worm bedding, worm food, moisture meters, and other useful tools.
4. Educational materials and workshops: As an expert in worm farming, you can create and sell educational materials, such as books, e-books, online courses, or instructional videos. You can also offer workshops, webinars, or seminars on worm farming, vermicomposting, and related topics to share your knowledge and generate additional income.
5. Consultation services: Offer your expertise as a consultant to help individuals, schools, community organizations, or businesses set up and maintain their worm farming or vermicomposting systems. This can include site assessments, system design, troubleshooting, and ongoing support.
6. Live bait for fishing: Worms, especially earthworms and red wigglers, are popular live bait for fishing. You can sell live worms directly to anglers or through bait shops, either in person or online.
7. Worm-based products: Some entrepreneurs have explored using worms for other applications, such as producing protein-rich animal feed or even creating sustainable food products for human consumption. These niche markets may provide additional income opportunities for those with innovative ideas and a willingness to explore new avenues.

Conclusion

Worm farming is an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and potentially profitable venture that offers numerous benefits to gardeners, farmers, and even fishing enthusiasts. As we’ve explored throughout this blog post, getting into worm farming involves careful planning, research, and dedication. Begin by understanding the biology and care requirements of your chosen worm species, selecting a suitable location, and setting up a well-designed worm farm system.

Remember to focus on providing optimal conditions for your worms to thrive, as their health and well-being are directly linked to the success of your venture. Engaging with the worm farming community, attending workshops, and staying updated on the latest trends and research will help you refine your practices over time.

As you gain experience and grow your operation, consider expanding your offerings to include worm castings, vermicompost, worm tea, and other worm-related products and services. This diversification can help you reach a wider audience and increase your income potential. Above all, approach worm farming with a spirit of curiosity, innovation, and commitment to sustainable practices. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for worm farming into a successful and fulfilling business venture. Happy worm farming!