General guide to worm composting

Composting worms are generally hardy creatures, given that their basic needs are met.

Their moisture requirements are the most important, followed by free draining bedding and of course an on going supply of food.

This environment you are providing for their home must always remain aerobic, at a neutral pH of 7, for maximum food intake and active breeding.  Top tips include:

• Supply a variety of foods rather than too much of one type.
• Dice the food rather than macerating it to allow better air flow and still supplying good surface areas for the worms to feed from.
• Add wet torn corrugated cardboard (egg trays / cartons, toilet roll inners and used paper hand towels).
• Keep food moist (water weekly, especially in summer).
• Keep the worm farm in a shaded position (particularly in summer).
• Use a small handful of garden lime every 2 months to help maintain aerobic conditions.

There may be other insects living with your worm farm e.g. little white mites, slaters and others. These insects are useful in assisting with aeration of the bedding and do no harm to the worms. If you find creatures like ants, earwigs and white fly inhabiting the worm farm, spread one cup of lime per half square metre then give a weekly flush of water.
If your worm farm is on legs, place each leg in a container of water to stop these pests from entering.

Download the setup instructions on how to set up your WormsRus worm farm here.