Not sure where to start? Already started and got stuck? Here is The Urban Worm’s FAQ, based on discussions we have had with aspiring and new worm farmers around the world.
No, garden worms are deep burrowing worms and are not happy living in a worm farm. We use surface dwelling Tiger worms (eisenia fetida) worms that thrive in rotting organic waste.
If your worm farm is happy it should not smell bad, it should smell of sweet earth. If it does start to smell bad it has become anaerobic (without air).
Worms are very resilient and have survived a few mass extinctions but they are most happy living in conditions between 10-30 degrees. Keep out of direct sunlight in the summer and in the colder months keeping them indoors (garage/shed) or wrapping them in bubble wrap or a blanket will keep them active, although they do slow down in winter.
Absolutely, worm farming is a great educational tool and teaches the fundamentals of life and death and equips our children to be responsible for their waste.
Worms are the worlds waste managers and do eat meat, and eventually they will eat us one day, however to avoid a fly infestation we advise to not add meat to your worm farm. If you do, be sure to bury the waste under worm bedding.
Damp shredded paper, compost, coconut coir, and well rotten manure are all suitable for worm starter bedding. If you have access to manure this is the best to get the composting process going as the manure contains beneficial microorganisms.
We advise to start yourself off with 1kg of worms to ensure your worm farm gets off to a good start. However you need to keep an eye on the waste and do not over feed the worms.
Fruit flies are part and parcel of composting but we can control their numbers. Always bury food waste under bedding and if you do have a fly infestation putting an open jar of cider vinegar close to the bin will control their numbers.
Sometimes worms don’t always know what is best for them and we can get some strays which can lead to a few fatalities, especially when you are starting out. It can take worms a few days to settle into their new home after being in transit and they will be getting used to a different diet. Allow adjustment time and keep an eye on wanderers. If your worm farm is outside and it has been raining give the worms a check up as they may try and escape as the vibrations from the rain can be a little traumatic. If worms are escaping frequently check the moisture and acidity as this is an indicator that they are not happy.
No, this is a myth, please don’t try this at home.
Worms do not actually eat your food waste, they live off the microorganisms that break it down. However worms do not like acidic conditions so avoid too much citrus, onion and coffee. Keep out oily food, worms breathe through their skin and grease will suffocate them.
For an Urban Worm-approved menu – check out our illustrated guide on making a mini worm farm, with a feeding guide included
Worm bedding should resemble the dampness of a sponge. If the worm farm is too wet add shredded paper to soak up excess moisture and always make sure the tap/ bottom drainage tray is drained.
Yes, although do not use the worm manure on edible plants in case there still remain some pathogens. Worms eat every faeces going and are even being used in refugee camps to manage human waste to maintain sanitary conditions.
No, and to help them break down and digest their food cut into small pieces and add crushed egg shells or sand every few weeks to give them a helping hand. They love teabags, but rip them open first so they are easier to access.
Worms can eat up to half their body weight a day when conditions are perfect but a rule of thumb 1kg should be fed approximately 250g a day. It is always better to underfeed instead of overfeeding to avoid putrid anaerobic conditions occurring.
Yes, worms are happy living indoors as the temperature remains milder and more constant than it does outside.
Worm manure is teeming with minerals and nutrients essential for plant growth and disease suppression. Mix 1:10 with regular compost or a handful per plant when potting on in the garden.
Worm wee aka leachate must be used with caution as it can contain bad bacteria if the worm farm has become anaerobic. When using as a fertiliser always dilute 1:10 with water.
No, worms can double their population every 60 days. You can share your growing squirm with fellow earth lovers and spread worm farming far and wide.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? If we have missed anything do get in touch, we are happy to help.
Or check out the vermicomposter’s bible by worm queen Rhonda Sherman, The Worm Farmer’s Handbook, including a case study of The Urban Worm social enterprise!
