Keeping Worms Happy by Creating Them a Good Home
by John Yazo
Bedding material for worm composting is a very important part of the process. It needs to be an organic material that will stay airy and retain moisture. Worms need moisture to stay happy and survive.
Compost or aged manure are the best types of bedding material to use to start with as a base course. It has organic matter, microorganisms and bacteria in it to start the composting process You will need to add amendments to it like shredded paper,shredded cardboard, shredded leaves, chopped up dead plants, straw, sawdust or wood chips to create a good airy environment for the worms to live. Use organic materials that will retain moisture and stay away from using paper that has a glossy finish.
It is very important to add moisture to any of the bedding amendments before you put them in the compost bin. The moisture content should feel like a sponge or wet cloth that the water has been squeezed out of.
When placing the bedding material in the bin care is needed not to compact it. The bin should be filled about 3/4 full with fluffed bedding material. The bedding material needs to be airy to allow for free movement of the worms. If you need to add an amendment other than the items listed above you can use peat moss or even coir peat. These are two organic materials that will also benefit the compost.
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