Earthworms - Okanogan County in Washington State

Anyone here from Okanogan Co. who is or has raised earthworms for increasing earthworm populations in their gardens and farms?

I am working on 20 acres up on Palmer Mt. Need information on which type to get and raise. Have heard that most types will die in the winter.

Thanks,
Tom Fisher

You want the red wigglers mainly, but look up this thread, some info on what Sepp Holzer does: https://permies.com/t/32930/sepp-holzer/Revitalizing-Landscape-Dealing-Invasive-Species

They will not die, in my opinion, the best way to do it on a large scale is like this guy


also great info here: http://www.hrt.msu.edu/assets/PagePDFs/john-biernbaum/Worm-Composting-Biernbaum-23pgs-Jan2013.pdf

Tom, if you want worms yo increase the worm population *in* the soil, ypu fon't want wigglers...they are perfect for vermivomposting to generate soil amendment, but won't survive in th Okanogan winter unlrss being warmed in a dung beap or compost pile.

They live on top of soil rather than in it.

Nightcrawlers burrow vertically down, living in the soil and eating it as well as vegetable matter.

Over time (years, not months) they will break up hard pan and clay.

The best way to incrrase their population is to practice good soil building practicrs. As you increase orgsnic matter in the soil and create attractive habitat they will come.

If you want to break up hard soil or clay, a green manure of forsge radish and winter rye will send roots deep in the soil, increase organic matter, and water/nutrient permeability, and maje a more attractive environment for nightcrawlers.