Worm Mix for Soil Improvement
This worm mix is specially formulated for soil improvement in gardens and lawns. It improves soil drainage and loosens compacted soil through the activity of worms. This mix contains several different worm species.
Worm species included in the mix
Eisenia hortensis, Eisenia fetida – 50% of the mix
These are litter-layer dwellers. These worms can process large amounts of organic material.
Lumbricus terrestris – 50% of the mix
These are nightcrawlers and are the most important worms in the mix. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive worms. When comparing prices, it is important to know what percentage of these worms is included in the mix. These worms are responsible for proper drainage. Without them, the mix will not work for drainage.
Each species has its own positive effect on the soil. This mix contains worms that live in the upper soil layer. These worms create tunnels in the top 40 cm of the soil and process the litter layer (leaves, twigs, etc.), as well as worms that live deeper in the soil. These worms dig tunnels deep into the soil. This provides extra aeration and better water drainage.
The ratio between these worm types is approximately 50% – 50%.
Why a 50% ratio?
We chose this ratio because nightcrawlers reproduce much more slowly than compost worms. A higher proportion of nightcrawlers ensures better drainage.
Instructions for Use – Worms for Soil Improvement
Dosage:
1 kg of garden worms is suitable for approximately 50 m² of garden area.
Packaging
Packed per 1 kg, or 5 kg packs available with a discount when purchasing 10 kg at once.
Application in the Garden
Moisten the soil
If the soil is dry, water the soil before releasing the worms. This facilitates their entry into the soil and reduces stress.
Distribute the worms
Spread the contents of the bag over the desired area. In warm and dry weather, it is best to create a maximum of 4 piles from a 1 kg bag. Worms need protection from each other, which increases their chances of survival. It is best to release the worms in the most problematic areas. The worms will eventually distribute themselves throughout the soil. Lightly watering the piles helps the worms enter the soil more quickly.
Do not bury
Place the worms with the supplied substrate on top of the soil. Do not dig them in – they will crawl into the soil themselves in search of suitable conditions. The substrate temporarily protects the worms against dehydration and predators. Covering the worms with an object such as a bucket will slow down their entry into the soil.
Time of application
Preferably apply in the evening, when birds are less active. Daytime application is possible, but monitor to prevent birds from taking the worms.
Minimum soil temperature
5°C. At lower temperatures, worms become inactive and vulnerable.
Important Notes
The worm mix for soil improvement is not shipped when temperatures approach 25°C.
The mix must be applied at temperatures above 5°C. Because worms are also used in greenhouses, we do ship below 5°C, but you must monitor the conditions yourself.
The worm mix should preferably be applied on the day of delivery. Storing the worms for several days is not recommended. If storage is necessary, keep them at 5–15°C.
Do not use chemical fertilizers
Stop using chemical fertilizers after releasing the worms. Chemical fertilizers damage soil life and hinder the development of a healthy ecosystem.
Ensure organic material is present
Leave pruning waste and leaf litter in the garden
Leave grass clippings on the lawn
Add compost, worm castings, or mulch to create a nutritious top layer
Not suitable for worm bins
This mix is intended exclusively for use in open soil. Some species cannot survive in small or enclosed systems such as compost bins or worm towers.
Result
When applied correctly, these worms provide improved soil structure, better water permeability, and healthier soil life – the foundation for a vibrant, living garden.
Reference
Wageningen University article: Earthworms and their key role in the soil.
Solution for Drainage and Compacted Soil Problems
Landscape professionals increasingly face drainage problems caused by added soil in new construction projects. Water remains on the surface and compacted layers disrupt soil structure.
If the garden has already been installed, installing drainage pipes can be a costly intervention and can severely damage existing vegetation. In nature, worms are among the main contributors to well-draining soils. Their numerous tunnels allow water to penetrate the topsoil more quickly. By using different worm species with unique properties, both shallow temporary tunnels and permanent deep tunnels (several meters deep) are created. This combination helps break through compacted layers.
Plants and trees also use these tunnels to grow roots deeper into the soil, which in turn improves water uptake from deeper layers during dry periods.
Biodiversity
Worms also help restore soil life and biodiversity. Through their castings (worm manure), worms distribute organic matter, bacteria, and fungi throughout the soil. This helps create a healthy and natural soil, especially when mulch is used and chemical fertilizers are avoided.
Results
Drainage improvements take time. First results usually become visible after one season, although many customers experience effects within one year. If results are insufficient, a new batch of worms may be required. Advice can always be sought again to ensure the project is as successful as possible.
About Wormenkwekerij Wasse & Franky’s Flora
Wormenkwekerij Wasse & Franky’s Flora from Beilen (Drenthe) specializes in soil improvement through what they call “a different approach to gardening and agriculture.”
Frank Wasse started his worm farm in 2016. One year later, the brand name Franky’s Flora was introduced. Nature and biodiversity are the guiding principles when it comes to soil improvement. The focus is on what the soil needs to achieve optimal results. Experience shows that plants, shrubs, and crops can extract nutrients from the soil when they need them. According to Franky’s Flora, everything grows better on healthy soil. The soil is the foundation. Worm manure is a living product and an exceptional soil improver: 100% natural, soil-life friendly, and organic.
