This Week's "Trick of the Trade" deals with getting a white worm culture started which can be a little bit tricky if you've never attempted to raise the critters.

Of course you must first obtain a starter culture. Usually a mailorder source is the best place to start. Usually you will receive instructions with the worms which can be helpful. The biggest problem with successfully raising white worm cultures usually comes from the inability to keep the culture in an area cool enough. Ideal temperature is 55-60F. If you live in the south, as I do, you probably will need a refrigerator to raise them in.

Once you get your starter culture, mix peat half and half with potting soil. Use a plastic shoe box for your grow-out culture. You will need to poke holes in the top so the worms can breathe. Also, make sure your soils are not pre-treated with insecticides. Mix them thoroughly, adding just enough water to moisten the dirt. Then transplant the starter into the soil.

Place a dab of bread mixed with milk near the "transplanted" worms and then put the culture in a cool dark place. You must be patient for it will take about 6-8 weeks for the culture to progress enough to use. Good Luck! Next week I'll talk about how to harvest and feed the worms to your fish as well as maintaining the culture once it is established.

Until next week,

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David Eaton
Southeastern Discus
kccfb@ix.netcom.com
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