Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What should I do after receiving my shipment of worms?

When your worms arrive, it’s essential to set up a suitable habitat for them right away. Prepare bedding using moist, shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir, and place it in your worm bin. Ensure the bin has good airflow and that the bedding is moist but not waterlogged. Add small amounts of kitchen scraps as their initial food source. Allow the worms to settle into their new environment for 1-2 days before regular feeding.

Q: How many kilograms of composting worms should I buy as a home gardener?

The amount of composting worms needed depends on the size of your household and how much organic waste you generate. As a guideline, 0.5 kg of worms (about 400 adult worms) can process around 0.25 kg of kitchen scraps per day. For a small household, starting with 0.5-1 kg of worms is usually enough. You can adjust based on your waste production.

Q: What are the best options for storing my worms long term?

For long-term storage, keep your worms in a well-ventilated, dark container with appropriate bedding material. Store the container in a cool, shaded place with a temperature range of 24-29°C (specifically African Nightcrawlers). Regularly check the moisture levels to ensure the bedding remains damp but not overly wet. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and conditions.

Q: What are the best bedding options for my composting worms?

Ideal bedding materials include shredded newspaper, cardboard, peat moss, or coconut coir. The bedding should be moist but not soggy, providing structure and moisture retention for the worms. Avoid using glossy paper, citrus peels, or materials with high oil content, as these can be harmful to the worms.

Q: How often should I feed my composting worms?

Feeding frequency depends on the size of your worm population and the amount of waste produced. Start with small amounts of kitchen scraps and monitor how quickly they are consumed. Typically, feeding once a week is a good starting point. Adjust as necessary to prevent overfeeding, which can cause odors and imbalances in the bin.

Q: What should I feed my worms?

Worms thrive on a variety of organic matter such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid feeding them oily, salty, or spicy foods, as well as meat and dairy products. For quicker decomposition, chop or blend food scraps and bury them in the bedding to reduce the likelihood of fruit flies.

Q: How do I harvest castings from my worm bin?

To harvest worm castings, create a migration zone by adding fresh bedding and food to one side of the bin. The worms will naturally move to the new food source over a few weeks. Once they’ve migrated, you can easily scoop out the nutrient-rich castings from the other side.

Q: How do I apply worm castings in my garden?

Worm castings are a powerful organic fertilizer. Sprinkle a layer around your plants or mix it into the soil before planting. For potted plants, blend castings into the potting mix. Castings can be applied regularly throughout the growing season to boost soil health and plant vitality.

Q: Can I add worms directly to my outdoor compost pile?

While composting worms can survive in outdoor compost piles, they are most efficient in a controlled environment like a worm bin. If you add them to an outdoor compost pile, monitor moisture, temperature, and aeration to ensure they thrive. However, in the UAE, no composting worm species will survive outdoors during the summer. It’s essential to bait them out and bring them indoors until temperatures drop below 32°C.

Q: What should I do if I notice pests in my worm bin?

To manage pests, ensure your worm bin conditions are optimal, with proper moisture and food levels. If pests persist, reduce the food supply and bury new food deeper in the bin. Avoid using chemical pesticides. Natural alternatives like neem oil or food-grade diatomaceous earth are safe for worms and can help control pests.