10 best composting worms

Composting worms, often referred to as red wigglers or Eisenia fetida, are a specific type of earthworm that is highly effective in breaking down organic matter and producing nutrient-rich compost. These worms play a crucial role in vermicomposting, which is a composting method that utilizes the activity of these worms to decompose organic waste. Here is what you need to know about composting worms:

  1. Species: Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the most commonly used species for vermicomposting. They are well-suited for the composting environment and have a voracious appetite for organic materials.

  2. Lifecycle: Composting worms have a relatively short lifecycle, typically ranging from 1.5 to 2 years. They reproduce quickly, with each worm capable of producing several offspring.

  3. Diet: These worms feed on a wide variety of organic materials, including kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and shredded paper. They are particularly efficient at breaking down high-nitrogen (green) and high-carbon (brown) materials, making them a valuable addition to composting systems.

  4. Temperature Tolerance: Composting worms thrive in temperatures between 55°F to 77°F (13°C to 25°C). They become less active in extreme heat or cold and may die if exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period.

  5. Aeration: Worms burrow through the composting material, creating channels that allow for aeration and the flow of oxygen to microorganisms. This continuous mixing and aeration enhance the composting process.

  6. Moisture: Maintaining proper moisture levels in the composting bin is essential. Composting worms require a moist environment, similar to a wrung-out sponge, to function optimally.

  7. Composting Bin: To utilize composting worms, a dedicated vermicomposting bin is necessary. These bins are usually shallow containers with good ventilation and drainage. They should be kept indoors or in a sheltered area, as composting worms are sensitive to extreme temperatures.

  8. Harvesting Vermicompost: When the vermicomposting process is complete, you can harvest the nutrient-rich vermicompost from the bin.To do this, you can use various methods like sorting or migration techniques that encourage the worms to move to one side of the bin, leaving the finished compost on the other side.

  9. Benefits: Composting with worms offers several benefits, including efficient decomposition of organic waste, faster production of high-quality compost, and the generation of a liquid fertilizer called "worm tea," which is rich in nutrients and can be used to nourish plants.

  10. Environmental Impact: Vermicomposting reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and produces valuable compost that enriches soil and promotes sustainable gardening practices.

In summary, composting worms, particularly red wigglers, are valuable allies in the composting process. They efficiently break down organic materials, contribute to the creation of nutrient-rich compost, and offer a sustainable and eco-friendly way to manage kitchen scraps and other organic waste.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best composting worms on the market
  

Worm Bin Troubleshooting Infographic MAGNET: A Simple Guide to Diagnosing and Solving Your Worm Composting Bin Problems (Magnet)

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

If you are having trouble with your worm composting bin, this worm bin troubleshooting guide will help you find the solution. With this worm bin troubleshooting guide you will solve small worm bin problems before they become worm composting disasters. Size: 5.5 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide. Learn the possible cause and how to solve if: worm composting bin smells bad, worm composting bin attracts fruit flies, composting worms are dying, worm composting bin is too wet, worm composting bin is too dry, worms are leaving the worm bin, rodents in your worm composting bin. This Worm Bin Troubleshooting Infographic is perfect for worm composting at home or at a school. Buy the magnet for your refrigerator or the sticker version to put right on your worm bin. Buy today! With your purchaset, you will receive a FREE gift, the digital report: Inside my Worm Composting Toolbox: My List of Essential Tools and Supplies to Make Worm Composting Easy. Details for downloading the report are packaged with the Worm Bin Troubleshooting Infographic. Order today!

  • Easily diagnose and solve your worm composting bin problems
  • Clear and easy to read. Size: 5.5 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide
  • Quick worm composting reference guide
  • FREE gift download included
  • Buy Today! Available as a Magnet or Sticker

User questions & answers

Question: Are there enclosures available for this module
Answer: Not from Velleman. The modules are intended to integrate into your projects, so you have look to other vendors for generic enclosures. Or make your own. MCM Electronics is a good source.
Question: Does it play through everything once then stop, or does it loop everything continuously
Answer: It never stops.
Question: Does the power-on playback resume where the player left off, or start at the beginning of the track
Answer: Starts over from the first file.
Question: does it have random play option
Answer: Not as it is shipped. It will play in sequence unless you provide a means of randomly selecting tracks externally. My application involved playing a single selection so I did not do any design involving track selection.

FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter, 37 gallon, Black

FCMP Outdoor

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Yimby Tumbler Composter, Color Black

  • Tumbling composter – avoid digging and mixing your compost pile by hand. The tumbling design makes mixing easy and efficient. Just close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days. In hot sunny conditions and with a proper balance of ingredients the compost can finish in as little as 2 weeks.
  • Easy to use – fantastic for beginners! The large openings and removable door make it easy to add Scraps/clippings and remove finished compost. Deep Fins on the body provide great ergonomic handholds.
  • Two composter chambers are better than one – two separate sides allow the first side to finish while leaving the second side Available to add fresh Scraps/clippings. Continuously swapping sides after finishing will create an uninterrupted flow of rich, healthy compost. Total capacity 37 gallons (5 cu Ft)
  • Excellent aeration – all our composter models feature aeration holes as well as deep Fins to break up clumps inside the chamber and mix lots of oxygen into the compost. Tumbling composters allow far greater aeration than standard models.
  • Durable construction – BPA free, UV inhibited, 100% post-consumer recycled polypropylene is contact safe and will not degrade under direct sunlight. The galvanized steel frame is corrosion resistant.

User questions & answers

Question: what is the best mixture of scraps to put in the composter to start the first batch in a brand new yimby tumbler composter
Answer: Yes it does. It does not come with a mat.
Question: Any tips for winter usage, once temperatures cause the compost to freeze
Answer: Yes, if you print a cake on a shirt and make decorations for it then you could use it for cake decorating purposes
Question: do you have to put it together and is it difficult we are not good at assembly
Answer: I use a teflon sheet and no you don't have to press too hard. I used to use my iron and this thing is AAAAAmazing!!! Time and heat control... no more guessing or over heating.
Question: Is it bear proof
Answer: Your iron may be greatly superior to mine...But the advantages that this heat press has over my iron are these: 1) I'm able set the exact temperature I need. (I didn't realize what a difference this would make!) 2) The heat press is HEAVY. I want a lightweight iron for ironing clothes, but want pressure (which weight provides) for heat transfer designs. 3) This heat press has a timer. I've been amazed how much better my work turns out when I'm a little more careful about the timing. These are the three major advantages I've found in using a heat press over my iron. To be truthful, any heat press probably delivers these. But the smaller, more compact size (even with the largest, the 12 x 10--which I purchased), and hence, easier storage when not in use...is what tipped the scales for me when choosing the Cricut over the other brands of heat presses. Hope this helps your decision-making!

Product features

Tumbling Design

Avoid digging and mixing your compost pile by hand. The tumbling design makes mixing easy and efficient. Just close the door and turn it 5-6 times every 2-3 days. In hot sunny conditions and with a proper balance of ingredients the compost can finish in as little as 2 weeks.

Two Composting Chambers

Two separate sides allow the first side to finish cooking while leaving the second side available to add fresh scraps/clippings. Continuously swapping sides after finishing will create an uninterrupted flow of rich, healthy compost.

Durable Construction

The composter body is constructed from polypropylene. It is contact safe and will not degrade under direct sunlight. The galvanized steel frame is corrosion resistant.

Excellent Aeration

The composter features adjustable air vents as well as deep fins to break up clumps inside the chamber and mix lots of oxygen into the compost. Tumbling composters allow far greater aeration than standard models.

Alfresco Home 614-1705 Urbalive w/FSC Hardwood Legs Worm Farm, Lime Green

Product description

Alfresco Home designs, manufactures, and distributes outdoor lifestyle products for the Casual Furniture, Garden, and Gourmet industries. We provide stylish, comfortable, and high quality products at an exceptional value to ensure the enthusiasm to our customers. We pride ourselves on the experience of our team, the creativity of our process and the superior service we deliver. We operate from a long-standing tradition of family and community, and treat every customer, colleague and business partner as part of that collective family. Alfresco Home honors the sanctity of the family table, the beauty of the garden, and the joy that outdoor living brings families around the world.

  • Home composting is made easy with the Urbalive Worm Farm. Hard working earthworms convert your kitchen scraps into vermicompost and worm tea resulting in a high-quality organic fertilizer.
  • Worm tea is a brilliant liquid fertilizer containing nutrients that improve plant growth and disease resistance all done in an orderly and odorless fashion.
  • Our stylish worm farm features FSC hardwood legs with an easy to reach value giving you access to the worm tea.
  • Produced in a factory striving for sustainability that omits 0% waste powered by clean renewable solar energy.
  • Add worms and soil ( sold separately) and be on your way to a more sustainable lifestyle

Teekura Worm composting Gift vermicomposting Compost bin Worm composting Gift vermicomposting Compost bin Shirt Black

Product description

Please choose the clothes that suit you according to the size table described belowundefined Purchase strictly according to the size we provideundefined Due to the influence of light colors in real life may be slightly differentundefined If there is any problem contac us.

  • AWESOME FIT: Fits True to size, great fit and feel – Available in multiple sizes and colors. If you are unsure on sizing, please use our sizing chart in the product image for reference. Wash with cold water, inside out.
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: Solid shirt colors is 100% cotton, Dark Heather is 50% cotton, 50% polyester.
  • HAVE FUN & BE PROUD: We have many great designs about funny quotes, hobbies, pets, professions. Get your humor mode on with our funny shirts. Looking for that Birthday tshirt or just the best cotton men’s tee, you found it. You or your friend will be proud when wear our awesome designed shirts that present your personality.
  • This product is customizable. The product's type, size, and color depend on what you choose on the Custom tab (not the main image). If you are unsure please message us.
  • Size Chart For Manual Tile Measurement,Please Allow 1-3cm Error (1cm=0.3917 inch)

Good Ideas ECG3-Dar English Composting Garden Bin, Dark Granite

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The English composting garden is a stacking, vertical composting planter. The circular exterior is designed with a brick texture to give it that classical, stone appearance. Each planter pod can hold about 5 gallons of growing media and thanks to its circular construction, can showcase plants and vegetation on all sides. This is especially useful for controlling the amount of sun or shade received by certain plants by strategically positioning the planter around the home or among foliage. The pods can also be stacked as many as desired (max 6 recommended) or used as individual planters around an area. The English composting garden also features a hollowed core which can be filled with additional soil, fertilizer and compost. This is perfect for worm composting as they dramatically increase nutrient production when mixed with the compost, making plants thrive. When the pods are stacked in a garden, worms can also penetrate the compost from the bottom, spreading nutrients to the plants in the tower and throughout the surrounding garden soil. Each pod is made from polyethylene, a naturally inert and incredibly strong material that's weatherproof and nature proof. There are also several drain holes that allow moisture to escape to avoid root rot. Made in the USA with several color options.

  • Three stackable planter pods
  • Can be stacked indefinitely
  • Drain holes to prevent root rot
  • Interior composting chamber
  • Weathered stone finish

User questions & answers

Question: Would a fully planted planter provide enough insulation to keep red wrigglers (in the core) outside in the winter
Answer: There won't be enough insulation. Thank you.
Question: Does this three-planter set come with just one lid, or three (one for each planter
Answer: This is all one piece but the are the same.
Question: Is the plastic BPA free
Answer: yes
Question: Any idea how many plants this will hold per level? I realize it will depend on the type of plant, but I am looking to grow veggies and herbs. Thanks
Answer: No idea yet, but I'm trying it out with similar instructions for the garden towers etc ...https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=composting+planters&id=5822B0C88D8316E15C415602E2F15F3CD014591B&FORM=IQFRBA

Product features

English Composting Garden

A Vertical Garden and Composter in One.

Vertical Gardens

By using the vertical space in an area, garden footprints can be reduced, consolidating plants or allowing room for more to be planted. This is especially important when working with edible plants as real estate is a major factor. It also adds convenience when watering/feeding because there's less traveling between plants and less bending over.

A Vertical Garden and Composter?

Yes, the English Composting Garden works as a compost bin when placed over regular soil. It's recommended that you mix the compost material with regular soil and add worms so the plants can use the worm casings immediately as food. Use these vertical gardens throughout a regular ground-soil garden and as the worms and bugs spread compost material throughout it, your garden will flourish like never before.

Flip your top over composting

Add composting material and/or soil through the lidded opening on the top most pod and it will travel down to the lower pods. When used over regular soil, nutrients will travel to plants in the surrounding area.

Stack it to the heavens - or not

The planter pods easily nest to stack or can be separated and used individually as regular planters. We recommend no more than 6 planter pods in one stack.

Like real, English cobblestone

The distressed finish provides a very authentic, brick masonry texture. This style does well anywhere and hardly anyone can tell it's durable, weatherproof plastic.

Ez4garden Reuseable Heavy Duty Garden Leaf Waste Bag Yard Compost Bin Composting Fruit Kitchen Waste Fermentation Cali Secrets Growers 60L,Dark Green

Ez4garden

Product description

The composter bag will allow you to ferment all of your kitchen waste including meats, cheese, bread, and veggies. The lid seals in odors and keeps pests out. The container can easily get compost from under door. Great for fruit fermentation to add flavors to your flowers.

This composting bag keeps things odor-free and easy by letting you easily scoop scraps into it,which is a mess-free way to keep scraps until you're ready to take them to your nearest collection center.

  • Made of Recycle Heavy duty PE Cloth , used for chicken food fruit waste and garden leaf etc recycle composting.
  • Easy maintenance and minimum attendance.
  • Smallest footprint for the highest composting efficiency.
  • Full opening Size: Diameter 35cmxHeight 60cm,dark green
  • foldable,lightweight,The lowest can be opened to take,easy to use

Maze Four Plastic Legs Worm Farm, Black

Maze

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

These 4 legs add to the appeal & The appearance of the Maze worm farm. This unique option ensures the worm farm fits into any well designed porch, balcony or any part of your house.

  • Includes 4 plastic legs
  • Each leg Dimensions: 1. 27in x 9. 2in
  • Adds to stylish look of the worm farm
  • Elevates the worm farm for easier filling
  • Enable a taller container to sit underneath. Better air flow for worm farm

Josh's Frogs Nightcrawler Earthworm Red Wiggler Culturing Bundle- Small

Product description

Josh's Frogs Earthworm Bedding is the perfect substrate for nightcrawlers, red wigglers, and other commonly kept worms used for bait or food. Best of all, Josh's Frogs Worm Bedding is a recycled product! Simply wet Josh's Frogs Worm Bedding so that it is damp but not soaking. Add water, then squeeze the bedding until excess water runs out. Fluff the bedding, and add 3-5 inches of bedding to the container the worms are going to live in. Introduce the worms and any dirt they are shipped in. After the worm bedding is completely broken down (black/brown in color and no longer fluffy), it can be added to garden soil or composted. Used worm bedding is a great source of organics for soil! Josh's Frogs Worm Food is a custom blend designed with your worms in mind. Josh's Frogs Worm Food contains everything your worms need for maximum growth, nutrition, and reproduction.

  • COMPLETE DIET for Earthworms and Red Wigglers for maximum growth and nutrition. Healthy worms make exciting bait and pass on nutrition to your pet
  • RAISE YOUR OWN FEEDERS with this bedding. It is sterile and without hitchhikers unlike soil dug up from your backyard. It is also easy to tell when it is spent and needs to be refreshed so that your worms stay healthy and reproduce
  • ECO FRIENDLY product since Josh's Frogs Earthworm Bedding is made from recycled materials and then can be composted when spent
  • ENHANCES REPRODUCTION so your worm culture will grow faster
  • LIVE BAIT LIVES LONGER with this bedding and food. The dirt worms come in at the store is often old and dry. If storing worms for an extended time, this bedding keeps them lively and wiggling by maintaining ideal moisture levels

Worm Factory COIR250G10 Coconut Coir Growing Medium 250g - 10 pack

Based on 132 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Coconut Coir is a 100-percent natural by-product of harvesting coconut. Coir consists of the coarse fibers extracted from the husk on the outer shell of a coconut. Because of its superior water holding capacity, excellent air space and drainage, coir is a useful soil amendment for potted plants, containers and gardens. Coir is a sustainable alternative to peat moss - it does not produce the same environmental damage caused by peat mining and grows quickly for harvest. In addition, coir is easier to hydrate and lasts longer in soil than peat moss. Coir's neutral pH of 5.8–6.8 allows it to efficiently release nutrients to plant roots and reduces the need to use dolomite lime in the garden. How to use Coir ? When used in sandy soils, coir helps to keep nutrients and moisture close to plant roots instead of washing away. When used in clay soils, coir helps to break up hard-packed earth and move nutrients and moisture through the soil. By adding one part coir to two parts soil or potting mix containing compost, you can make a perfect growing medium for potted plants or an outdoor garden or raised bed. Coir comes compressed into bricks, which makes for easy, convenient storage. Add water and soak your brick for at least 1 hour before using it. A fully-hydrated brick can hold eight to ten times its volume in water. The final volume of the expanded coir depends on the amount of water used to constitute it. By maintaining a consistent level of moisture and air and by being naturally disease and weed free, coir creates a perfect environment for starting seeds and cuttings and can be used as a seed-starting medium. Improve your soil structure and water-holding capacity with 100-percent natural Coconut Coir today.

  • This pH balanced growing medium provides excellent air space and water holding capacity
  • Expanded size per block: 0.5 gallons
  • Compressed bricks are easy to handle and store
  • Disease Resistant
  • Holds between 8 and 10 times its volume in water

User questions & answers

Question: How much water to use this in a composting toilet
Answer: I don't have any idea what a composting toilet is..
Question: Has this coir been produced or tested to be free of contaminants? i.e. chemicals, pesticides, salts, plastic and other refuse
Answer: I am a licensed reseller for Nature's Footprint and use their coir for part of my worm bedding. I've never had issues with the coir killing the worms from pesticides or chemicals, plants sprout readily in the bedding if seeds are thrown in so I doubt there's much salt, if any, and I haven't seen any plastic. Salt would be bad for the worms too. The only thing I've seen are some small rocks that are brittle enough to break up with my fingers every once in awhile. That just adds nutrients. This coir is great IMO.

Garden Composter Bin Made from Recycled Plastic – 172Gallon (650Liter) Large Compost Bin - Create Fertile Soil with Easy Assembly, Lightweight, Aerating Outdoor Compost Box – by D.F. Omer

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This bundle includes our 110 Gallons composter + 60 gallon extanstion = 172gallons

  • CULTIVATE YOUR GREEN THUMB – Rendering nutrient-filled soil for your garden can be a challenge for even the most seasoned gardeners. But with D.F. Omer’s compost tumblers, the process is so straightforward that anyone can transform their backyard into a personal paradise.
  • RESURRECT YOUR LEFTOVERS – Limit your waste and save money by adding a composter bin to your backyard. Simply fill your bin with organic waste, use your vitamin-enriched soil from your compost box, and reap the benefits of delicious, home-grown produce.
  • MADE FROM PREMIUM RECYCLED PLASTIC – This composting bin is made from BPA-free recycled plastic to ensure toxins will not take away from valuable vitamins. Plus, the black PP plastic maintains heat and regulates moisture for a shorter composting time.
  • AERATION STATION – Composting can be an involved process, but D.F. Omer’s composting bins are easy to assemble and simple to use, so you can get to composting quickly without digging, shoveling, or hand mixing. And with a handy and secure lid, keep away pesky critters from your valuable food scraps.
  • OUR PROMISE – Protected by our two-year warranty, you’re guaranteed to receive the most well-designed compost kit on the market. If you have any issues, our dedicated customer support team will be there to assist you in all your horticulture ventures.

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