Where to buy red worms in Connecticut
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Today I will share some free ways to buy compost worms in Connecticut. With plenty of trees, lakes, and rivers, there are a lot of places to find worms. Of course, you could always purchase worms from our friends over at Meme’s Worms (clicking this link helps support the website, thanks in advance!). You could also look in your backyard for worms to get you started.
Let’s jump in so you can get started today.
Where To Buy Worms In Connecticut
Check The Leaf Litter (the free way)
First, fall in New England is a great time to find worms. Because so many trees shed their leaves, it creates an environment that red worms love. Composting worms like to live in the leaf litter, not deep in the soil.
Even if it isn’t autumn, you will still easily find worms in the soil. Grab a trowel and bucket and gather some worms to get started.
This method is excellent because:
- It’s free
- You use native worms (releasable back in nature)
- Harms fewer worms in the process
- Includes beneficial bacteria to help your worms get established
Another benefit is releasing the worms back into nature if you decide that worm composting isn’t for you. You can’t do this with other methods as you may introduce an invasive species into the natural ecosystem.
Unfortunately, you may spend a while collecting worms to start your bin. Many composters start their bins with 250+ red wigglers. On average, worms produce cocoons every 90 days, often containing three worms. If you start with just 25 worms, reaching approximately the same number of worms could take 180 days (roughly half a year).
Contact Gardens & Nurseries
The next best place to check your town is the local plant nursery. More and more garden stores are carrying compost worms.
Many home gardeners look toward growing organic produce and look for alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Gardners have been turning to adding worms to their soil. Other people compost with worms and add just the compost to their soil. Either way, the outcome is soil with more microbial and bacterial diversity.
It is often hit or miss if the nursery advertises that they sell compost worms. Be sure to call ahead to confirm that they sell worms.
Contact Fishing Supply Stores
Finally, the fishing supply store is the most overlooked place to find composting worms. With all of the lakes and streams, there are a lot of fishing stores where you can buy worms in Connecticut.
Often fishing stores are the best place to find worms in rural replaces.
It is best to call ahead before you show up and ask what kind of worms they carry. You want Eisenia fetida, but people call them red worms, tiger worms, red wigglers, and manure worms.
It is okay if you show after confirming they have composting worms to discover they are a different kind of worm. People use red worms specifically for how much they can eat for their size and ability to live in a container.
You can still compost with other kinds of worms. It may require a few tweaks from what I recommend here, but they will still work.
Online Sellers In Your Community
Social Media Marketplaces
Online marketplaces are another great way to get compost worms and support local or regional sellers. This includes those Facebook yard sale pages, Craigslist, eBay, and Etsy-based resources.
This method requires you to find a social media platform of your choice and search using your zip code. You would be surprised how many people sell worms as a side income. Others love to get people started in vermicomposting. This is especially true of Facebook pages dedicated to worm composting.
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I was able to trade for my composting worms. I was on a Facebook trade-only page and offered a bag of coffee for compost worms. A fellow composter from across the city said I could bring a container they would fill with worms for free.
Initially, I would turn to her with questions or concerns. She helped me through the process of getting started.
Buy Worms In CO On eBay, Etsy, and Craigslist Sellers.
Next, let’s talk about eBay, Etsy, and Craigslist resources. Honestly, I constantly overlook these resources to find local goods. However, they are amazing. You can often make a quick transaction with someone who lives close to you. If they need to ship the worms, it will likely take two days to arrive.
I like this method as it gives you the freedom and anonymity to purchase online and supports a local person. The worms often fare better in the shipping process as well.
To find a local seller, you will need to filter your results. You will want to search for items within the closest radius. I often search using the closest option; I select the next closest option if nothing appears. Do this until you find a seller nearby with a good reputation.
Here are some quick links to buy worms in Connecticut on Craigslist.
Worm Stores In Connecticut
Sadly, I couldn’t find any openly selling worms in Connecticut. I did find a fantastic Rhode Island resource and will add it here because it is only a short distance away. However, if you know of a person who sells compost worms in Connecticut, leave their information in the form below. I’d love to keep this updated and give more love to local worm sellers.
Here is the resource I did find:
The Worm Ladies
161 East Beach Road
Charlestown, RI, 02813
(401)-322-7675
Add a website
If you know of other websites to directly buy red worms in Connecticut, please share them below. Our goal is to make it easier for vermicomposters to get started.
