There is no specific number of worms that are considered too many in compost. When worms multiply to a specific density according to your bin’s size, their reproduction rate reduces. The result is a maintained population level that does not exceed a manageable worm bin population.

Worm composting is an efficient method of turning kitchen waste and small amounts of garden waste into nutrient-rich compost and a concentrated liquid fertiliser.

EUGENE – Most people shudder when they see maggots in their bin composter or compost pile. Don’t be grossed out – they won’t hurt you. In fact, these larvae play a role in breaking down and recycling nutrients back into the soil.

A good rule of thumb is one pound of worms per square feet of the bin being used. Another way to calculate it is one pound of worms per pound of food waste. There are roughly 1000 mature worms in a pound.

For beginners we recommend starting with 1 pound of worms for every 4 square feet of your worm bin’s top surface area. Experienced vermicomposters can start with more worms and we recommend 1 pound of worms for every 1 square foot of you worm composter’s top surface area.

Earthworms speed up the composting process, aerate the organic material in the bin, and enhance the finished compost with nutrients and enzymes from their digestive tracts. Even a small bin of red worms will yield pounds of rich compost, also known as worm castings.

Compost worms benefit from a balanced diet. They will eat most normal kitchen fruit and vegetable scraps. Avoid feeding the worms large quantities of meat, citrus, onions and dairy foods. Some processed food also contains preservatives, which discourage the worms from eating it.