Worm Composting Maintenance
by John Yazo
Worm composting doesn't require a large amount of maintenance. There are though some things that the worms like to keep them happy.
They like to be keep at a comfortable temperature of between 70 degrees to 75 degrees fahrenheit. The reproduction and the food consumption of the worms will drop dramatically if the temperature in the compost bin drops below 60 degrees fahrenheit. Worms will survive cold temperatures, just avoid temperatures that will allow them to freeze. As far as temperatures that are to hot, you don't want the compost or bedding material to get to 90 degrees fahrenheit or higher. Keeping the compost bin shaded will help keep the temperatures lower. There are times that you may need to just move the bin to a cooler location depending on the weather conditions in your area.
Moisture is very important in worm composting. It is better to keep the compost too wet that too dry. The one big downfall with having the compost to wet is that it can attract flies and mites, they can become a nuisance. The compost should be keep moist and there should be very little if no water dripping from the holes in the bottom of the bin.If the compost is too dry you are better off watering it more often than you are giving it too much water at one time.
Don't use water that is treated through a water softener system or water that has choline in it.
Once the compost bin is full it is time to empty it. Take the first 4" to 6" of bedding from the top off the compost. This is where all the worms will be and then remove the compost from the bottom of the bin. After it is emptied it is time to start re bedding the bin to start composting.
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