Vermicomposting Questions and Answers

We enumerate some of the most frequently asked questions about vermicomposting and vermicomposting bins and answer them.

Can I add water to my vermicomposting bin?

Yes, preferably from washing vegetables thus will improve the operation of vermicompost bin, keeping the moisture level high, while reusing water. For reference, you can add water in the proportion of half of the waste you add daily.

Can I put waste in the lower trays?

No, waste is always placed on the work tray.

The worms leave the vermicomposting bin?

No, however if adverse conditions are created, particularly the absence of moisture, excessive temperature or excess waste, the worms may accumulate in the liquid collecting tray or a couple of them can eventually exit.

Can my vermicomposting bin get overcrowded?

No, it will never have too much earthworms because they regulate their population by the limit space limit and the amount of food they have in average.

Will my vermicomposting bin smell?

The only smell associated with a vermicomposting bin that is handled well, is the smell of wet earth on a rainy day.

My vermicomposting bin will attract flies?

No. If properly handled your vermicomposting bin will not attract flies. You must make sure the cap fits perfectly.

It’s raining, and the worms all seem to gather up in the top, what do I do?

What you see, has to do with the sensitivity of earthworms to atmospheric changes.

In nature they go to the surface with fear of being drowned within their environment. Once it stops raining, they will resume their normal life.

What is the suitable temperature for the worms?

The system works flawlessly in indoor environment with a stable temperature. Outdoors works with a temperature range that can go from 10° to 30 °. If this temperature if exceeded, make sure that your vermicomposting bin is in a well-protected place. If too cold or even freezing, you can cover it with a cover or put it in a basement or garage.

There are other creatures in my bin, is this is bad?

Your worm bin works efficiently when there is a diverse web of organisms working together to decompose the organic material. You may notice potato bugs (sow bugs), mites, millipedes, small white worms, or “pot worms,” and tiny white insects called “springtails.” These creatures are an important part of the composting process. The only creatures that may be present and pose a threat are centipedes, which eat worms.

If you notice a decline in your worm numbers, remove the centipedes.

And when I go on holidays?

Leaving a bin with a stable operation for  three or four weeks is not a problem. Reinforce a little more food before heading out and correct the moisture pouring a little water, make sure you leave the bin in a protected location. A good “slow” food can be a 5 cm layer of moistened straw.

Review our Introduction to Vermicomposting section, Troubleshooting or check out out the construction of our vermicomposting bin.