✅ What You'll Need

• Starter culture of white worms (from a trusted source)

• Plastic or glass container with a lid (shoebox-sized or similar)

• Growing medium:

  • Coconut coir (preferred)

  • Potting soil (organic, pesticide-free)

  • Peat moss (optional blend)

• Food:

  • White bread (no preservatives) soaked in milk

  • Oatmeal or powdered fish food

  • Plain mashed potatoes or cereal

• Spray bottle (for moisture)

• Plastic knife or spoon (for harvesting)

• Location: Cool, dark place (ideally 50–68°F / 10–20°C)

⚙️ Setting Up the Culture

1. Prep the Container:

   • Add 1–2 inches of damp (not soggy) coconut coir or soil.

   • Punch small air holes in the lid, or leave the lid slightly ajar for airflow.

2. Add the Starter Culture:

   • Gently place worms and their starter medium on top of the prepared substrate.

3. Add Food:

   • Place a small piece of moistened bread or oatmeal on the surface.

   • Cover it lightly with plastic wrap or a piece of plastic to keep food moist and encourage worm congregation.

4. Cover and Store:

   • Keep the culture in a cool, dark place (a basement or lower cabinet works great).

   • Avoid temperatures above 72°F (22°C), as white worms do poorly in warm conditions.

🔁 Ongoing Maintenance

• Feeding: Add new food every 2–3 days or as needed. Remove old food if it molds or goes uneaten.

• Moisture: Mist the substrate lightly every few days to keep it damp.

• Harvesting:

  • Use a plastic knife or finger to scrape worms off the food or plastic cover.

  • Rinse briefly in tank water before feeding to fish.

• Cleaning:

  • Every 3–4 weeks, transfer worms to a new container with fresh medium to avoid mold, mites, and foul odors.

⚠️ Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overfeeding: It leads to mold, pests, and die-offs.

• Keep it cool: High temps kill cultures fast—use a wine fridge or basement if needed in summer.