First and foremost, unless you’re utilizing the vermicomposting method, you won’t need to worry about worms in your compost pile.
You don’t need to oversee them or ensure your compost contains worms if a few worms squirm in on their own.
The process of breaking down the materials of your compost will be done by microscopic bacteria in your compost, so you won’t need to introduce worms.
Earthworms For Composting
Earthworms, on the other hand, are not your best bet if you’re utilizing vermicomposting and require worms for your worm farm.
For good reason, most vermicomposters choose red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) or redworms (Lumbricus rubellus).
Because bacteria are breaking down the materials in the compost pile, it warms up much more than ordinary soil.
Red wigglers and redworms do better in the compost’s heated conditions than typical earthworms, which can be killed by the heat. (Red wigglers can withstand temperatures of 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Another thing to keep in mind is that typical earthworms do not eat food or paper trash, nor do they eat the other materials of a compost pile.
They absorb nutrients through their skin, from the soil they navigate through, or from the compounds in the compost if they’re digging around in someone’s compost heap.
That implies that while earthworms can cheerfully slink through your compost (as long as it isn’t too hot), they will not contribute to the decay process that results in the finished product.
Are Compost Worms The Same As Earthworms?
Earthworms are burrowing, segmented worms that are necessary for aerating and draining the soil, however compost worms are red surface-dwelling worms that are utilized in composting.
Should I Put Earthworms In My Compost Bin?
Worms aren’t required in your compost pile. Composting takes place outside, both with and without the assistance of earthworms. Worms frequently find their way to a compost pile on their own.
However, adding worms to your compost can help speed up the composting process.
How To Raise Earthworms For Composting
Soak the ground underneath one cage to raise the worms this way. Move the soil out of the way before watering it if the ground is even with or over your walkway.
To retain the manure, all you need is a small pit 3-6 inches deep. The worms will remain in that region as long as it is the sole place where you keep them moist.
What Do You Feed Earthworms For Fishing?
Kitchen leftovers will be the worms’ main source of nutrition. Give them nothing fatty, dairy-based, or meat-based.
These foods will cause the bin to go rancid, which will attract pests. Acidic foods should also be prevented, such as tomatoes, citrus, and pineapple.
What Is The Best Food For Earthworms?
If you’re using a bin, ensure the food is covered with bedding to keep flies and other creatures away and to keep aromas at bay. If your bin is going to be used indoors, you’ll want to keep the scents to a minimum.
If you have a properly formed vermicomposter, note that worms can consume up to half their weight in food per day.
You’ll have a strong, happy worm bin as well as improved soil for a better garden if you follow these guidelines. The following are the best foods for earthworms:
- Fruit peels (not citrus, learn more about putting citrus in compost)
- Melon rinds
- Carrots
- Coffee grounds
- Teabags (check if biodegradable)
- Bread
- Cereal (unsweetened)
- Pasta (plain), learn more about composting pasta
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Cornmeal
- Squash
How Do Earthworms Grow In Pots?
When introducing worms to a plant container, carefully loosen the topsoil and bury them with soil.
The worms will want to go into the potting soil as soon as possible, away from the light. Your container plants, as well as your whole garden, will benefit from the worms’ presence.
