The best temperature range to keep the earthworm happy and active is between 55 degree F. to 75 degree F. although they can survive extreme temperatures for a short time, they must be protected from frost and dryness. The optimum pH for earthworms is between 6.8 to 7.2. A pH reading below 7 is considered acidic or on the acid side and a reading above 7 is basic or on the alkaline side. To test for the correct pH, litmus paper maybe used and is generally obtained from your druggist or tropical fish pet store.

Most worm grower uses powdered limestone ( calcium carbonate ) to sprinkle over the earthworm bedding and watered in, or it may be used with feed at a mixture ratio of 1:10, ( one pound to every 10 pound of feed) . It is best to avoid acid build-up by avoiding too much feed into the bedding, a soured bed or sour crop will make earthworm leave its bedding or even die inside this bedding. Immediate treatments of acidic earthworm pit is to give a heavy application of powdered calcium carbonate evenly over the entire surface of bedding and digging up the bedding to allow as much air as possible to get into the bedding but making sure that the pit be kept moderately moist during this time.