(newbie): Feeding question

17 years ago

Hi, I'm (a) a Gardenweb newbie and (b) a worm newbie who'd really appreciate you guys correcting my information or assumptions on feeding the red wigglers.

I started the bin two weeks ago (worms from PetCo), bedding in a damp mixture of peat and shredded magazine pages. I've topdressed with one ground-up eggshell each WE. Thing is, I'd read on a lot of websites that worms like coffee grounds. Mine don't seem to be touching them (buried under the bedding). From other posts here it sounds like I should be nursing them along with softer stuff at the beginning. Since we do a lot of juicing, could apple pulp, carrot pulp (which is kind of dry and fibrous), or even orange pulp be a better choice? Green vegetables?

I kind of decimated the first set of worms and am now on the second 50. I'd like to get them happy and breeding ASAP.

Many thanks,

Jenny

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Comments (5)

marshall2000
17 years ago
I use shredded newspaper for my worms and keep the glossy magazine type paper for the paper recyclers.

50 worms is not that many so you would have to be careful not to overfeed them and turn the whole bin into a smelly mess. I use coffee grounds when I have them and they always disappear.

Carrot and apple pulp would be ideal, so is vegetable. I think Citrus is not a good idea.

Regards,
Marshall
billr12
17 years ago
With only 50 worms they will consume food at a very low rate. They will use coffee grounds if they are used to them. If not they may not touch them for awhile, especially if there is other things they like better. Remember they consume roughly only half their body weight per day. 50 worms will weigh very little. You will find it hard to resist adding food, probably to much. I would top feed very sparingly watching for the food to be mostly consumed then adding more.
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princess_manners
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, Bill and Marshall. I know the magazine pages weren't a super idea, but we don't take the newspaper, and our shredder cross-cuts so the shreds mat down. The first batch of worms weren't head over tails about that bedding.

It was easier to get my boyfriend to "worm" up to 50 in an indoor setup rather than a whole pound. (The garage has been too cold here in 75024.) I have been checking feeding every day. Do you suggest removing the grounds and sticking in a handfull of pulp? I have also been sprinkling or misting the top of bedding to maintain moisture. Thanks!
marshall2000
17 years ago
I think you have to reduce all your measurements. I would add vegetable matter by the teaspoon, and keep an eye on how quickly it gets eaten.... remember, the worms wont start eating till it starts to rot. Draw back the shredded paper you have on the surface and place the food on top then cover the food with the shredded paper. Don't add more food till the last lot is nearly gone.

You need to be careful with water too. If you bin has a lid it will keep more moist than a bin with no lid. Feel the bedding with your hand to see if it needs moisture.

Marshall
timshaw
17 years ago
Hey Jenny,
Everything I have read about worming said not to use glossy paper. I started my bins using cut up newsprint. It seems to have worked out fine. I also use shredded office paper which also works good. Recently I have been using shredded leaves and that has worked the best for bedding from my observations. If you don't take the newspaper ask a neighbor for some or see if you can get some recycled paper from somewhere (not glossy). I agree about restricting foodstocks. You may also find a smaller container to house the little guys in until they start having babies and the population increases. I have read that a less dense population will increase very slowly. When I started worming I bought Mary Applehoffs book "Worms Eat My Garbage". It's not expensive and very informative.
I hope this helps,Tim

(newbie): Feeding question

Comments (5)

marshall2000

billr12

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(newbie): Feeding question

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marshall2000

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