Let's face it, worm farming isn't rocket science but things can go wrong if you are't paying attention. Maintaining a successful worm bin need not take much effort and is really based on simple observation. To get the best out of your earthworms you should take the time to get to know how your bin works (okay a clue here is to read the instruction manual that comes with it). We also have the following advice, a frequently asked questions section and a trouble-shooting guide. If all else fails call us for some worm counselling on 021 7892922.

Maintaining a healthy worm bin depends on keeping the environmental conditions in the bin just right. The first consideration is avoiding extreme temperatures - place the bin so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods (particularly in summer)and provide protection from frost / freezing.

The next most important consideration is the condition of the vermicompost and the bedding. These should be kept moist (but not too wet) and the top tray should be kept aerated. While vermicompost helps to keep temperature and moisture within acceptable levels - and earthworms can often be found in it - the earthworms just love being in bedding. Bedding is the upper-most layer and it can be made from shredded newspapers (avoid glossy and full-colour print), computer paper, cardboard, leaves, straw, hay, sawdust (un-treated wood), peat moss, compost or composted / aged manure. Bedding materials high in carbon / cellulose are best because they help to aerate the bin, thereby keeping the process aerobic and providing the worms with sufficient oxygen.

Since not everyone has access to a shredder, we recommend tearing or cutting strips of newspaper 1-2cm wide, fluffing the layers out and soaking them in water. Allow the excess water to run off the strips, bunch them together and then place a layer 4-6 cm thick over the surface of the top tray. Keep the bedding fluffed (don't allow it to compact into a dense, smothering layer) and place the worm food into and under the bedding. Mix a bit of the food and bedding into the vermicompost layer below it, and add new bedding when it becomes thin. A sprinkling of soil or fine sand can be added to help provide grit for the worms' digestive systems.

If you maintain healthy bedding you should be well on your way to keeping your bin healthy and earthworms happy - but even experienced worm enthusiasts don't get it right all the time! If things don't look as they should, see our frequently asked questions page.