In nature, redworms are found in layers of rotting leaves on the forest floor. They will thrive in outdoor compost piles as long as they do not get too hot. They are killed by temperatures significantly above 90 F for long periods of time. They can survive temperatures as low as freezing. If they have a place to burrow and are well insulated by adequate compost above them, redworms can survive in outdoor compost piles during the winter in many parts of North America.
Many people find redworms are an ideal way to compost during the winter.
Basements and garages are ideal places to keep worm bins. Vermicompost can be spread on the soil outdoors, dug into gardens, or added in small handfuls to indoor houseplants. This text is copyrighted by Eric S. Johnson, 1995. Permission to copy and distribute this text is hereby granted without fee.