Vermicomposting Do's and Don'ts: Complete Feeding Guide for Compost Worms

Vermicomposting reduces food waste while creating rich garden compost. 1 lb worms (~1,000) eats ½-1 lb food scraps daily. Know what to feed, do's/don'ts, and how to feed.

Care and Feeding of Worms

Worms love eating—most of their time. Like us, they have preferences. What to feed, what to avoid?

 

What to Feed Worms (DO)

• Pumpkin
• Corn cobs
• Melon rinds
• Banana peels
• Fruit/veggie detritus

Avoid citrus, onions, garlic in bin. Onions/garlic eventually break down but interim odor may be unbearable! Citrus/highly acidic fruit in large quantities kills worms—small amounts only, or just peels without pulp.

Go "green" for vermiculture feeding. Worms eat most traditional compost items: coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, plant waste, tea leaves. "Green" = nitrogen; bin also needs "browns" (carbon): shredded newspaper, copy paper, egg cartons, cardboard.

DON'Ts for Feeding Worms

• No salty/oily foods
• No tomatoes/potatoes
• No meat/dairy

Worms eat tomatoes but break down seeds or get tomato sprouts (pull them out). Same with potato eyes sprouting. Meat/dairy = rancid smell, attract pests (fruit flies).

No pet waste or "hot" manure (uncomposted animal waste)—overheats bin.

How to Feed Composting Worms

Chop larger fruits/veggies smaller—speeds decomposition.

Feed once weekly to every 2 days (~1 cup) depending on bin size. Journal consumption to adjust timing/amounts/varieties. Stinky bin = overfeeding. Rotate feeding areas for even distribution. Tuck food 3-4 inches under bedding to thwart flies.

Best indicator: worm condition and increasing numbers. Proper care = rich garden soil, smaller garbage, landfill waste reduction.