Hi there,

It sounds like you're thinking of doing this as a business? If you're thinking on that scale, I can't really help you, but I can tell you what I've tried here in northern NM.

I've had one of those small ready-made plastic bins that comes as a kit (bin, coconut husk bedding, and instructions) for about two years. I got the worms at the local farmers market. My experience has been quite positive overall. They're really a no-brainer to keep and grow, and the more effort you are willing to put in, the more worms (and compost) you can produce.

In terms of the climate, I think it's fine here. Temperature is really the most important external factor (the bin maintains the right moisture level with very little assistance from the keeper). Mine have always been inside, either in the garage or in the house (stuck in the back of a closet actually for a while). However, there's now a population of the red wigglers in my outdoor compost pile since I once dumped out the bottom drainage tray there, along with worms that had fallen down.

Anyway, if you follow basically follow the literature on vermiculture (even basic instructions) you should not have any problems.

Well, good luck...