Where can I buy red worms in Maryland?
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Want to buy compost worms in Maryland and rid your home of food and paper waste? You’re lucky; You have at least one local worm seller in your state. If you want to purchase from a national supplier, you may have to look toward our friends over at Meme’s Worms (clicking this link helps support the website, thanks in advance!).
Maryland has one worm seller, but if you want to get started for free or support someone just selling a few worms as a side hustle, I have you covered.
Let’s dive into the different ways you can start vermicomposting today.
Where To Buy Compost Worms In Maryland
Dig In The Soil (The Free Method)
First, let’s discuss the freeway you can get started. That is by digging in your backyard or a local park or woods. Composting worms, unlike earthworms, live very close to the top of the soil. In some cases, above the ground, in leaf litter or manure. Red worms love decaying matter and live in those decomposing leaves, consuming all their nutrients.
After a good rainfall, it is common for red worms to leave the soil to breathe. Grab a trowel and bucket and start poking around in the leaves and the top six inches of soil.
This is one of my favorite methods because
- You use native worms (releasable back in nature)
- It’s free
- Includes beneficial bacteria to help your worms get established
- Harms fewer worms in the process
- Fun and kid-friendly
An additional benefit of this method is any dirt crumbles that make their way into your bucket, add some natural bacteria and microbes. While you don’t want to fill your home compost bin with soil, the bits of dirt on the worm add other composters to your container. The bacteria and microbes help break down the food scraps, so your worms can slurp the food faster.
Digging in the dirt is excellent and fun if you are okay with a slow start to vermicomposting.
One caveat to this method is how many worms you will find. You will unlikely find half an lb of worm just neatly on the ground. This means you may want to go out on worm hunts a few different times to get the number of worms you need to consume all of your food scraps.
Contact Fishing And Tackle Stores
You can check your local bait and tackle stores if you’re not in the mood to dig around for your worms. Fishing stores are often overlooked because they sell worms to catch fish or feed other creatures. However, it is more common to find composting worms alongside earthworms and bloodworms.
When you go to your local fishing shop, ask them if they carry Eisenia fetida, tiger worms, or red worms. Another common variety of worms you can use to compost is blue worms. These worms are great choices because they live close to the soil and in colonies. Since many home composting bins are small and contain pounds of worms, these are the best for the job.
It’s okay if your bait shop mixes red and blue worms. These worms work superb together, and both fall under the Eisenia type of worm, which likes to live on the soil and feed on decaying matter. Reds eat more for their size, but both compost a lot of food waste.
Check Farm And Garden Supply Stores
Last but not least, visit your local farm and garden store. I see more and more apartment vermicomposters get their worms at garden stores.
As more people look toward natural ways to compost or add nutrients to their gardens, they look to the humble worm. Adding worms to a garden can help aerate the soil and add extra nutrients needed to make plants thrive.
Be sure to call ahead before showing up. Worm sales are still new for many stores, and they may not carry worms. Also, check that they have worms and not worm castings. Worm castings are the same as vermicompost or the nutrient-rich poop of your worms!
Local Online Sellers
Social Media Marketplaces
You can always check social media marketplaces if you’re out of luck trying to find worms at established businesses. Websites like Facebook add garage and yard sale pages. It’s common to find worm sellers. Many people sell off the extra worms from their bin for a little extra money.
I used this method in the past, and I love connecting two passionate people about worm composting. You can always turn to the person you bought your worms from to ask questions if you’re ever stuck or scared about what to do next. Of course, you can always refer to this website if you have a specific question.
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My worm composting journey started through a Facebook trade-only page. I requested a small container of worms for a bag of coffee. I expected just a cup or two of worms. Instead, I was greeted by someone willing to give me shovels of worms and compost from their outdoor bin. Their compost was rich with worms and beneficial microbes.
Plus, I got to share the joy of composting and meet someone in the community—a win-win.
Buy Worms In MD On Craigslist, eBay, and Etsy Sellers
Beyond the social media marketplace, you can turn to traditional online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or Craigslist.
I often forget about Craigslist. In my mind, I reserved it for selling or buying used bikes and vehicles. However, many people sell worms for bait or composting for extra money.
This is a great way to support a local seller. Here are some quick links to buy worms in Maryland on Craigslist.
- Annapolis
- Baltimore
- Cumberland Valley
- Eastern Shore
- Frederick
- Southern Maryland
- Western Maryland
- MD suburbs of DC
Another online resource that can help you buy compost worms in Maryland is eBay or Etsy. You can filter the results by zip code. Start with the closest distance option. If there are no results, expand to the next closest option until you find a seller. Often people can find a seller within 25 miles of their home.
Worm Stores In Maryland
Thankfully, if you want to purchase worms from a worm breeder in Maryland, you have some options. Below I’ve listed a few different places you can find worms. These also include some home and garden stores that sell worms as well. If you know a brick-and-mortar business where you can buy worms, please share their information below!
At least one location that formally sells composting worms is Weems Worm Works. You can find their contact information below.
Weems Worm Works
St. Leonard, Maryland
Phone:443.975.2800
Email:jofus007@gmail.com
Add a website
Please share them below if you know of other websites directly buying red worms in Maryland. Our goal is to make it easier for vermicomposters to get started.
