Worms

Hi Guys, I have noticed several comments on Tiger worms not living long in soil, and I understand that they eat vegitation, but I introduced some into my raised veg beds last year with my compost after picking out the bulk of them by hand and this spring I have found several have overwintered and have grown twice as long and look in the peak of condition. I do have a 50% mushroom compost content in the soil so this must help.
If they can live in the beds then I would imagine they would be good for the soil and create worm castings.
Also if they do not survive in soil how do they find compost bins to inhabit.
I would like to hear your comments.

 

I find they tend to lie under the carpet paths between the beds after i've emptied the worm bin. They don't appear to be doing much, but they must be living on something. Maybe they are more active at night?

 

They won't thrive in "soil", but will live in humus-rich soil conditions as Armandii has said but once the humus is exhausted they'll pop their clogs due to starvation.
Ziggy's comment regarding his carpet paths is interesting as although our main worm compost factory is in two bins I do add some to the 'heap' and have found that when covered with old carpet I can find zillions just under the cover.

 

Thanks for your thoughts, I think this year I shall leave more worms in the compost and see what happens, I think having active worms in the beds must be a good thing.