I have kept garden worms in my basement for three years to supplement my garter's diet because I live in Michigan and can't dig them up year round. I originally got them out of my garden and I have three boxes now. I use the Magic Worm Ranch and it doesn't cost much to keep them. I have had no trouble until recently, and it's probably my fault You can get started by getting a starter kit at Cabela's: Cabela's: Magic® Worm Ranch Kit .

I use the Magic worm food which you can get cheap at Walmart (after you run out). We can only get it during the summer here, so I stock up then, but you can buy it online pretty cheaply if you search for the best price. I also use the worm bedding that comes with it, then buy extra bedding at Walmart, too. It's not always the Magic bedding, but I like that the best. You can also buy that off the Internet.

I think someone has already mentioned to make sure that your worms are garden earthworms and not the red "wiggler" composting worms. It seems that almost all of the information on the Internet is about the red worms, so it's hard to get the information that you need. Garden worms are usually lighter in color and you find them in soil. Wigglers are found in garbage, dung, etc.

The instructions for preparing bedding in the Magic kit isn't exactly right. You want the bedding to be moist enough so that it doesn't stick to the worms, but you don't want it runny. I've figured out the right proportions of water to bedding so I will let you know if you are interested. Also, don't feed them as much as it says - just feed a little bit, in a few spots around the box. Don't feed them more than they can finish in 2 days.

Good luck and let me know if you want more info.

Lori