Obtaining Earthworms Nightcrawlers can be collected by flashlight after dark, following a steady, warm spring rain. Look for them near lawn edges. Cover the flashlight lens with plastic red cellophane to reduce light and keep worms from fleeing. Garden worms can be dug from moist soil under boards and stones, whereas manure worms can be dug from manure piles or manure-rich soils. Red worms can be obtained from a reputable worm dealer, usually advertised in gardening and fishing magazines.
Cages Use wooden boxes, washtubs, steel drums cut lengthwise or other tight containers.
Wooden containers 60 x 36 x 18 inches or metal tubs 2 feet in diameter and 12 inches deep are used as rearing boxes. Wooden containers should be well tarred on the outside and coated with hot paraffin wax inside. Metal containers should be coated inside with hot tar or two coats of good house paint. Cage Preparation Good loam or other porous soils containing organic matter work well. Avoid using sandy or heavy clay soils.