How to Make a Storage Box for Nightcrawlers

Lay the 2-by-2-foot boards and 3-by-2-foot boards out in the shape of a hollow rectangle. The rectangle should measure 2 feet along one side and 3 feet along the other, and stand 2 feet tall. Maneuver the boards so that the edges of the 2-by-3-foot boards are flush with the sides of the 2-by-2-foot boards--the shorter boards should be sandwiched, endwise, between the larger ones--and nail them in place.

Place one 2-by-3-foot piece of plywood on top of your hollow square and nail it down along the edges and corners at frequent intervals. Make sure the nails are going into the boards that form the edges of the box, not protruding inside or outside of the box.

Turn the storage box over so that it's open-side up and check to make sure there are no gaps in the corners or along the bottom that the worms could escape through. Drill ventilation holes small enough to keep the worms from escaping at irregular heights all the way around the lower third of the box. What size you make the holes will depend on how large or small your worms are. Drill some small ventilation holes in the other piece of plywood, too, which will become your lid.

Fill the box halfway with damp shredded newspaper and damp dirt mixed together. Keep everything damp, not wet--you don't want the worms to drown. Add some used coffee grounds and cornmeal to feed the worms, then add another half inch or so of damp newspaper. Spread your nightcrawlers out on top of this newspaper.

Keep the nightcrawler storage box in a cool place--they'll die if they get too warm. Re-moisten the dirt and newspaper occasionally and add coffee grounds or cornmeal for food from time to time.