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Compost bin
Pat42
Posts: 2
I'm a new member so sorry if this has been discussed before.....I've been gardening for many years but have never seen thin red worms in my compost bin before. I started a new bin off early this year. When I lifted the lid yesterday there were worms all over the sides and lid - and me!! They were really fast moving. I know worms help in the composting process but are these thin athletic variety, good or bad news?
0
Posts
The worms are a sign that your compost bin needs some tlc. If they're trying to escape the contents give it a good digging with a fork to make sure it is aerated and isn't becoming waterlogged.
The worms you describe sound very much like the Brandling or Red worms that are the main useful inhabitors of compost bins and these break down the compostable material in the bin. They do like well aerated material as Clarington has already pointed out but they are not 'bad news' at all. They will naturally slow down in their activities as the temperature falls.
I get exactly the same. The lid of the bin is often heavy with worms, and birds queuing up for a feast. As far as I know it's perfectly natural. The worms are doing their stuff, and I get great compost.
I sometimes wonder if they accumulate under the lid for breeding?? I've no idea
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Many thanks for all you replies! I have checked in the bin again and the are definitely Brandling worms - not so many inside the lid but masses working away inside the bin (bless them). Have given iall the contents a good move around and added newspaper and more kitchen waste (peelings, egg shells etc) so hope that will keep them happy.
Am following your link Edd - I'm always willing to learn more ?