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What is worm composting?

Also called vermicomposting, it is the process of reclaiming the nutrients in food waste, by cultivating red worms.  The worms eat kitchen scraps and their waste, called castings, is used as a soil amendment.

What should I feed (& not feed) the worms?

Anything that will decay is fine.  Avoid large amounts of citrus or raw onions.  See the article  Feeding: What to Feed & not to Feed

Can I start my bin with worms I dig up in the yard?

No, those greyish worms are a different kind.  They construct semi-permanent burrows, & are not suited for composting.  Red worms (Eisenia fetida*) are “crevice dwellers” & eat decomposing vegetation in nature.  They’re available online & at local fishing bait shops.         *also spelled “foetida”

I’ve heard that I need to use “bedding” in the bin.  What’s that about?

When you first set up the bin, you do need to fill it with a bedding such as leaves & peat moss.  But after the worms have converted everything to castings (6-9 months?), the bin will be filled with what resembles dark rich soil.  Then you can dig your feeding holes right into the castings.  During these first months, it’d be a good idea to keep extra leaves & peat moss on hand, because it compresses down.

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  1. fascinating Dave, and well done! Probably shouldn’t have looked at it while I ate my lunch however.
    Can I just add worms to my existing compost bin?

    Megan

    8 Jun 09 at 2:58 pm

  2. Megan, Good question. You can, but not until it’s a month or two old. When a compost pile is first built, it gets way too hot for worms. After it’s cooled down, & the moisture level is right, worms can live there. Don’t add kitchen scraps unless it’s built to keep out rodents, though; it would attract all kinds of critters.

    admin

    9 Jun 09 at 7:43 pm

  3. Dave:

    Looks like a very informative site.. How do the worms react to the heat? and could you leave them for up to two months with enough food/ scraps to do their worm thing?

    Great site.. will be in touch, buddy!

    Greg

    GregV

    11 Jun 09 at 3:12 am

  4. Greg, The interior of the worm bin needs to be kept no warmer than the upper 70’s. (F) The mid 70’s is the upper end of the optimum range. See the temperature graph here. I don’t have experience with worm bins where the temp exceeds 100 degrees F day after day, but my guess is that if you insulated the bin with foam board or something similar, & kept it moist, it’d be OK. I’d definitely stick a compost thermometer into the center & monitor the temp.
    The longest I’d leave a bin unfed is one month. Feed two zones just before leaving.

    admin

    14 Jun 09 at 7:32 pm

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