Use a blender for shredding food scraps; provides greater food area for worms and bacteria
Worms are attracted to the bacteria
Bedding when held should form a nice moist lump
The more worms you have the better the chance of reproducing
Plant seedlings in pure vermicast (worm castings) or mixed with potting mix
Suggest read David Murphy ~ ‘Organic Gardening with Worms’
Experiment with different foods (over time) even for example cooked onion
Grass clippings Brown OK but not too much; not Green ~ gets too hot
Worms will eat garden refuse, clothing, rags, Hessian bags, manures
Will eat any sort of pet poo (dog, cat etc) but must have a separate bin
Must be kept in total shade not merely under a convenient shady tree
Going on holidays put a lot of moistened shredded newspaper in the bin and you can be away 2-3 weeks but have a friendly neighbour to check if possible
Ensure good covering of moistened newspaper on top insulates during hot and cold periods; when moist paper looks and feels wet; when dry the paper is white!
Use Volcanic Rock Dust good for their gizzard
Use Dolomite in worm farm when castings used on sandy soil (not clay soil)
Always leave bottom tap open; OK for dogs, cats, chooks to drink (not kids)
Compost worms in the garden may or may not survive; better but slim chances of survival if you have reticulation
Worm castings have to be incorporated into the soil mix; if the castings get too dry they will go rock hard
In Summer lift the lid during the day to get as much air in as possible (without worms escaping!) and keep up water but don’t flood the bin
Don’t use castings on native plants or shrubs (too strong)
Recommended minimum worms 0.5kg to 1kg = 2000-4000 worms for a great start
