Which worms are best for composting?
A number of different species of earthworms have been used in vermicomposting, but the only one currently recommended for use is Eisenia fetida. These worms go by many common names, but the two used most often are Red Wiggler and Tiger Worm. Rate of Reproduction: If you’re looking for a worm species that reproduce rapidly and can consume a significant amount of organic waste, Red Worms are the winners. Nightcrawlers reproduce slower, but their larger size and burrowing capabilities make them valuable in certain composting scenarios.Just any worms won’t do! Locate red wigglers or African nightcrawlers. These worms are excellent composters and thrive in a worm bin environment. Red wigglers reproduce more quickly and are smaller than African nightcrawlers; both are good fish bait.
Should I buy worms for my compost?
Composting worms make a great addition to compost bins smaller than 1 cubic yard- Two issues with small-scale compost bins include that they don’t get as hot, and the contents don’t break down as fast- adding worms will greatly help with both. Give it a shot! Worm Factory, especially if you are just starting a worm compost bin for the first time. We recommend starting the worms in 1 tray of the Worm Factory.
How much do 1000 worms eat?
Worms can eat half their weight everyday. Carrot peelings, potato skins, broccoli and cauliflower stalks, lettuce, kale, even onion peels (in limited quantities) are perfect for the worm bin. Vegetable waste like this isn’t prone to overheating your bin either, so this is another low-maintenance food.The quick answer is that in general, worms can help speed the composting process that turns scraps and debris into usable garden conditioner. Some types of worms consume and digest rotting vegetables and other matter you put into the bin. They excrete material in a form your plants can use as nutrients.Worms like to eat many of the same things we eat, only they aren’t as picky. Stale bread, apple cores, lettuce trimmings, coffee grounds, and non-greasy leftovers are just some of the foods we usually discard that worms love.Worms can eat these foods frequently: Apples, bananas, berries, broccoli, carrots, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, pears, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, avocados, banana peels, bell peppers, cantaloupe, corn, grapes, mango, peaches, potatoes, spinach, tofu, zucchini.
How quickly do compost worms multiply?
Mature worms can produce two cocoons per week under ideal conditions. In theory, their population can double every three months. However, in the confines of the composting bin, the worm population will balance itself. Mature earthworms can produce up to 80 cocoons a year. An earthworm’s lifespan depends on its environment. Those with a wholesome country lifestyle can live up to eight years, but those in city gardens generally last 1-2 years.Depending on food and temperature, it takes about hundred to several hundred days for them to complete their life cycle. Therefore, if you want worms in the spring, start your colony in November or December. For each 20 beetles, you should get about 350 adult mealworms in 200 days.