Worm Composting Explained FAQ

If you’re looking to take your composting game to the next level, let me introduce you to some of my best gardening buddies—worms. Yes, worms! These little wriggling creatures can turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost faster than traditional composting methods. But before you start adding worms to compost, there are a few things you need to know. Let’s dig in (pun intended)!

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Worms in Compost Bins: Friend or Foe?

If you’ve ever peeked into a compost bin and spotted a few worms, you might have wondered: worms in compost—good or bad? The answer is a resounding GOOD! Worms are nature’s recyclers, breaking down organic matter into rich, dark humus that plants love. They aerate the compost, speed up decomposition, and improve nutrient availability. But not all worms are created equal when it comes to composting.

Compost Worms vs. Earthworms: What’s the Difference?

A common misconception is that any old worm will do when it comes to composting. I used to think I could just grab a few worms from my garden and toss them in the bin—big mistake. Earthworms, the ones you usually see in soil, are great for gardens but not so much for compost bins. They prefer to burrow deep into the ground, while compost worms (also known as red wigglers) thrive in decomposing organic material. If you’re serious about worm composting, you’ll want to get the right type of worms. The best worms for composting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), which are the composting champions. They thrive in organic material, reproduce quickly, and break down food scraps at lightning speed. A close second would be European nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis), which are slightly larger and can handle tougher material but aren’t as prolific as red wigglers. Avoid regular earthworms or garden worms—they just don’t thrive in a compost bin environment.

Should I Add Worms to My Compost?

Now, you might be wondering, "Should I put worms in my compost bin?" The answer depends on how you’re composting. If you’re using a traditional outdoor compost pile, worms will often find their way in naturally, given the right conditions. But if you’re using a contained compost bin or want to speed up the process, adding compost worms is a great idea. If your compost bin is well-established (not too dry or too wet), and you want faster breakdown of food scraps, adding worms can make a huge difference. Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is an excellent method if you’re working with a worm bin specifically designed for them. However, if you’re just starting a compost pile, let it sit for a bit before introducing worms. They need a stable, moist environment with partially broken-down organic matter to thrive.

Setting Up a Worm Bin

If you want to get serious about worm composting, setting up a dedicated worm bin is the way to go.

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A plastic or wooden bin with ventilation holes works best. Worm bins should be shallow (no deeper than 12-18 inches) to mimic their natural environment. You can buy a ready-made worm bin or DIY one from a storage container. Worms also need a comfortable bedding layer to live in, and shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or aged compost make excellent bedding. It should be moist (like a wrung-out sponge) but not soaking wet. As for feeding your worms, they love fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, and shredded leaves. However, avoid feeding them meat, dairy, oily foods, citrus, onions, or spicy foods, as these can create odor problems and harm your worms. Your worm bin should be kept in a cool, shady spot, ideally in a temperature range between 55°F and 77°F. If it's too hot or too cold, they slow down or die. Keeping the bedding damp is also important to prevent drying out.

After a few months, your worms will have transformed food scraps into rich, dark compost known as worm castings. To harvest the compost, push all the contents to one side of the bin and add fresh bedding and food to the empty side. The worms will migrate over in a few days, making it easier to collect the finished compost. This method ensures you don’t lose too many worms in the process and keeps your compost bin running smoothly.

Common Worm Composting Problems and Solutions

As with any composting method, worm composting can sometimes have issues, but they are easy to fix. Bad smells are one of the most common problems, usually caused by overfeeding, too much moisture, or lack of airflow. The solution is simple: reduce the amount of food waste, add more bedding to absorb excess moisture, and stir the compost to increase aeration. If your worms are trying to escape, it could mean that the conditions are too wet, too dry, or too acidic. Adjusting moisture levels, checking the pH balance, and adding fresh bedding usually solves the problem. Pests such as fruit flies or mites can also become an issue if food scraps are left uncovered or if the wrong type of waste is added. To prevent this, bury food scraps under bedding and avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods. Mold or fungus growth can also occur if too much food or excess moisture is present. Feeding worms in moderation and adding dry bedding to absorb moisture should help keep your compost bin in balance.

Final Verdict: Should You Put Worms in Your Compost Bin?

Absolutely! Whether you let nature take its course or actively introduce compost worms, having worms in your compost bin is a great way to supercharge your composting efforts. Just remember to choose the right worms, provide a healthy environment, and enjoy the magic of vermicomposting. Your garden will thank you with lush, vibrant plants! Ready to get started? Grab some red wigglers, set up a worm bin, and let those little guys work their magic. Happy composting!