What mistakes ruin vermicomposting?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Steering clear of vermicomposting blunders produces healthy worms and valuable vermicast. Major errors, such as overfeeding and poor moisture control, disturb the delicate balance of the worm bin ecosystem. I have learned by mistakes that balance is essential. Proper management of these • conditions prevents bad smells, pest infestations, and batch failures. Start right so that vermicast can be obtained in a continual supply of nutrient-rich material.
Overfeeding
- Worms process only half their weight in food weekly
- Excess food rots causing ammonia spikes and fruit flies
- Measure portions: ½ pound food per pound of worms
Acidic Foods
- Citrus peels lower pH below 6.0 harming worm health
- Coffee grounds require buffering with crushed eggshells
- Limit acidic items to 10% of total feed volume
Moisture Mishaps
- Soggy bedding causes anaerobic conditions and worm drowning
- Bedding should feel like a wrung-out sponge when squeezed
- Add dry shredded cardboard weekly to absorb excess moisture
Maintaining bedding prevents the formation of anaerobic conditions. Fluff layers with a hand fork weekly to aerate. Maintain a thickness of 6 inches by using coir or shredded newspaper in the bedding. I check mine every Sunday morning. Correct airflow in a worm bin prevents the formation of hydrogen sulfide, a gas that is deadly to worms. If condensation appears, then dry materials should be added immediately.
The timing of the harvest influences its casting. It must decompose for 3 to 4 months. It is ready for harvest when squeezed between the fingers; it is crumbly. My first early harvest resulted in a mass of useless slime. I now use the light separation method of treatment, which involves placing the bins in light so that the worms move downward, allowing me to collect the upper surface.
Recover troubled bins quickly. Remove rotting food immediately. Add shredded cardboard to absorb moisture. Sprinkle garden lime for pH correction. My rescued bin produced usable castings in five weeks. Monitor worm activity: clustering indicates distress requiring intervention. Healthy worms spread evenly through bedding.
Read the full article: Unlocking the Benefits of Worm Castings
