Yeah, worms don't care for acidic conditions, liking it more towards neutral pH, or at least close.
I use a peat based bedding similar to a base soil mix (Peat moss, perlite, lime), along with a little kelp meal and neem to jump start the microbes and make ~15 gallons at a pop.
This not only gives me a constant when adding various amendments/foods, but also something close to my soil mix for 'short term' bins that are more VC than pure castings.
Have 6 bins (totes), 3 'long term' (more than 6 months between harvest), that are both used as nurserys and for EWC and 3 'short term' (harvest at ~3 months), for top dressing VC.
The long term bins get dusted with a bit of lime after 3 months or so. Even with lime added initially the bins tend to the acidic from the constant moisture and added organic amendments breaking down, not to mention the peat breaking down as well.
Just remember, with calcium carbonate, no matter the source, it's all about mesh size. About the consistancy of flour is best, but at least as fine as corn meal. Otherwise, it just sits.
Eggshells are fine IF you can grind them fine enough, but usually pulverized/ground, dolomite, Ag lime, or oyster shell flour is easier and more convienent to use. Cheaper also if you have to replace a ruined spice grinder. LOL
I would imagine it would also work as grit for the worms, but I add play sand for this, so can't speak with certainty.
But, if you see pot worms, you need some liming agent, whatever your choice.
I use a peat based bedding similar to a base soil mix (Peat moss, perlite, lime), along with a little kelp meal and neem to jump start the microbes and make ~15 gallons at a pop.
This not only gives me a constant when adding various amendments/foods, but also something close to my soil mix for 'short term' bins that are more VC than pure castings.
Have 6 bins (totes), 3 'long term' (more than 6 months between harvest), that are both used as nurserys and for EWC and 3 'short term' (harvest at ~3 months), for top dressing VC.
The long term bins get dusted with a bit of lime after 3 months or so. Even with lime added initially the bins tend to the acidic from the constant moisture and added organic amendments breaking down, not to mention the peat breaking down as well.
Just remember, with calcium carbonate, no matter the source, it's all about mesh size. About the consistancy of flour is best, but at least as fine as corn meal. Otherwise, it just sits.
Eggshells are fine IF you can grind them fine enough, but usually pulverized/ground, dolomite, Ag lime, or oyster shell flour is easier and more convienent to use. Cheaper also if you have to replace a ruined spice grinder. LOL
I would imagine it would also work as grit for the worms, but I add play sand for this, so can't speak with certainty.
But, if you see pot worms, you need some liming agent, whatever your choice.