How Much Do Compost Worms Eat?
Also called the red wriggler and the redworm, compost worms allow you to recycle your kitchen waste into a rich soil amendment to use on your potted plants and vegetable garden. Being familiar with facts about the redworm's appetite will help you maximize your chances of successfully producing worm compost. Does this Spark an idea?
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Time Frame
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According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 1 pound of redworms (approximately 1000 worms) can consume about a half-pound of kitchen scraps each day. Thus, on average, a compost worm eats approximately half its body weight daily.
Diet
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Compost worms eat most types of organic kitchen waste, including vegetable peels, spoiled fruit, tea leaves and coffee grains.
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Warning
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Although redworms will consume waste such as dairy products and meats, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture suggests that you avoid using this type of waste in your compost bin since it typically attracts rodents and flies.
Types
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According to NorthwestRedWorms.com, the redworm's preferred food is soft garden vegetables, particularly pumpkin and melon.
Effects
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If you notice strong or unpleasant food smells around your worm composting bin, then you have most likely provided too much waste for the number of worms in your bin. Stir up the contents of your compost bin to allow more oxygen flow, then wait for a few days to give your worms time to consume the kitchen scraps before you add more.
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