What do worms eat

Composition of the worm diet

• Organic matter: Worms consume a variety of decomposing organic matter as main food
• Leftover food: Fruits, vegetables and other kitchen waste make up a large part of what worms eat
• Plant materials: Leaves, grass clippings and other plant materials are suitable food sources for worms
• Bedding materials: Shredded paper, cardboard and other carbon-rich materials serve as both food and habitat for worms

Optimal Food Ratio for Worm Diet

• 70:30 ratio: The ideal vermicomposting ratio for what the worms eat is 70% brown material (paper, wood, dried plants) for 30% green material (food scraps, young plants, wet leaves)
• Litter/food ratio: For new worm composters, a 3:1 to 5:1 a litter/food ratio is recommended to ensure good humidity And aeration in the worm diet

Food Preparation Guidelines for Worms

• Chop: Cut food into 1 to 2 inch pieces to make it easier for worms to consume their food
• Freeze: Freeze leftover food for 24 hours before adding them to the worm bin to prevent fruit flies and other pests
• Paper shredding: Shred paper before adding to trash to increase surface area and faster consumption by worms

Calcium-Rich Food Sources for Worms

• Eggshells: Dried and ground eggshells provide calcium, squeakand help neutralize acidity in the worm bins
• Calcium-rich diet: Commercial products like Fluker’s High Calcium Diet for Mealworms can be used to increase the calcium content of what the worms eat.

Moisture content of worm food

• Optimal range: Maintain moisture content between 60-85% for good health and worm activity
• Compression test: Perform the “Compression Test” to check the moisture content without a meter; if you get more than one or two drops of waterit’s too humid for the worms’ diet

Feed the worms citrus fruits and acidic foods

• Moderation: Citrus peels can be fed to worms moderationallowing them to retreat into bedding if necessary
• pH balance: Add crushed egg shells, dolomiteOr snail shells to help balance pH levels when feeding acidic foods to worms

FAQs

What do worms eat in nature?

In nature, worms feed primarily on decaying organic matter. This includes dead plant matter, dead leaves, and any other decaying vegetation found in the soil. They also consume microorganisms and bacteria found in organic matter, which aids their digestion process.

Can I feed my worms with kitchen scraps?

Yes, kitchen scraps are a great food source for worms. Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags and crushed egg shells are all suitable for a worm diet. However, avoid giving them meat, dairy products, fatty foods or citrus fruits in large quantities, as these can harm worms or attract parasites.

What is the ideal food ratio for worms in vermicomposting?

The ideal ratio for a worm diet in worm composting is 70% brown material (like shredded paper, cardboard, or dry leaves) to 30% green material (like food scraps and fresh plant matter). This ratio helps maintain proper humidity levels and provides a balanced diet for the worms.

How often should I feed my worms?

Feeding frequency depends on the size of your worm population and the amount of food you provide. In general, it is best to feed worms every 3 to 7 days. Monitor the bin and add more food when most of the previous food has been consumed. Overfeeding can lead to odors and attract pests, so it’s better to underfeed slightly rather than overfeed.

Are there any foods I should avoid feeding worms?

Although worms can eat a wide variety of organic materials, there are certain foods you should avoid or limit in your diet. These include:

• Meat, fish and dairy products
• Fatty or fatty foods
• Citrus fruits in large quantities
• Onions and garlic
• Spicy foods
• Processed foods with preservatives Stick to leftover fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and plant matter for the healthiest diet for worms.