Get Your Wigglers Moving: The Ultimate Guide to Red Worm Bedding

If you're like us, you want the best for your red wiggler worms. After all, they're hardworking little creatures that can turn your kitchen scraps, yard waste, and animal manure into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants.

But in order for your worms to thrive, they need a comfortable habitat with the right bedding material!

So, what is the best bedding material for your composting worms? Well, there are several options to choose from. Some of the most popular choices include shredded brown cardboard, shredded newspaper, aged compost, and peat moss. Each of these materials has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the one that works best for you and your worms.

At the end of the day, the best bedding material for your red wiggler worms is one that is non-toxic, sufficiently moist, neutral with a pH balance of 7, breathable with sufficient air flow and air holes, easily eaten, and soft and gentle. When combined with the right worm food and nitrogen sources, your worms will have everything they need to produce high-quality fertilizer for your garden.

So, let's dive into the world of vermicomposting and find the perfect bedding material for your worm farm!

(Note: This article is part of our Worm Farming Series, check out Worm Farming 101 for a starting point for even even more worm farming information!)

Why Bedding is Important for Your Red Wiggler Worms

If you're starting a worm farm or already have one, you know that red wigglers are a great choice for composting. They're efficient, hardy, and easy to care for.

But did you know that the bedding you choose for your worms is just as important as the food you give them? In this section, we'll explore the benefits of good bedding and why it's essential for your red wiggler worms.

Benefits of Good Bedding

First and foremost, good bedding provides your worms with a comfortable habitat. Worms need a moist and aerated environment to thrive, and the right bedding can help maintain that balance. Bedding also serves as a food source for your worms. Up to 50% of a worm's diet can consist of its bedding, so it's important to choose a material that's nutritious and easy to digest.

Good bedding can also help regulate the pH level in your worm bin. Worms prefer a neutral pH level, and certain bedding materials can help maintain that balance. For example, crushed eggshells or oyster shells can add calcium carbonate to the bedding, which helps keep the pH level safe for your worms.

Another benefit of good bedding is that it can help absorb excess moisture in your worm bin. Worms need a moist environment to survive, but too much moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions and bad odors. Bedding materials like shredded newspaper, cardboard, or even biochar can help absorb excess moisture and keep your worm bin smelling fresh.

Finally, good bedding can help speed up the composting process. When you add food scraps to your worm bin, the worms break down the organic matter and turn it into nutrient-rich castings. But they can't do it alone! Bedding materials like shredded leaves or straw can provide the carbon-rich material that your worms need to balance out the nitrogen-rich food scraps. This balance is essential for successful vermicomposting.

As you can see, good bedding is critical for your red wiggler worms' health and well-being.

In the next section, we'll explore the different types of bedding materials you can use in your worm bin.

Types of Bedding for Red Wiggler Worms

When it comes to bedding for your red wiggler worms, there are two main types to consider: organic and inorganic. Organic bedding materials are from natural sources and inorganic are man-made.

Both have their pros and cons, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs and preferences.

Organic Bedding Materials

Organic bedding materials are those that come from natural sources, such as plants and animals. They are biodegradable and can add valuable nutrients to your worm castings. Here are some of the most popular organic bedding materials:

• Peat moss: Peat moss is a popular choice for worm bedding because it retains moisture well and is easy to work with. However, it is not a renewable resource and harvesting it can be harmful to the environment.

• Hay: Hay is a good bedding material because it is absorbent and provides good aeration. However, it can be difficult to work with and may contain weed seeds. Hay should be chopped fine to aid the worms in decomposing it.

• Aged horse manure: Aged horse manure is an excellent source of nutrients for your worms and can be obtained for free from local stables. However, be sure to use only well-aged manure to avoid harmful pathogens.

• Straw: Straw is a good bedding material because it is absorbent and provides good aeration. However, it can be difficult to work with and may contain weed seeds. Like Hay, Straw should be chopped fine to aid the worms in decomposing it.

• Coco coir: Coco coir is a renewable resource made from coconut husks and is a popular choice for worm bedding. It retains moisture well and is easy to work with.

• Fall leaves and yard waste: Fall leaves and yard waste can be used as a free source of bedding material. However, they may contain harmful chemicals and should be shredded before use.

• Wood chips: Wood chips can be used as a free source of bedding material. However, fresh wood chips do not retain moisture well and can become compacted over time. If you choose wood chips, it’s best to let them decompose for a time.

Inorganic Bedding Materials

Inorganic bedding materials are those that do not come from natural sources. They are not biodegradable easily and may not add that many nutrients to your worm castings. However, they can be useful in certain situations. Here are some of the most popular inorganic bedding materials:

• Shredded paper: Shredded paper is a great way to recycle paper waste and make worm bedding at the same time. However, avoid using bleached white office paper and colored newsprint, as they can contain harmful chemicals.

• Cardboard: Cardboard is a good bedding material because it is absorbent and provides good aeration. However, it can be difficult to work with and may contain harmful chemicals. Like paper, cardboard should be shredded.

When choosing bedding for your red wiggler worms, consider your specific needs and preferences. Organic bedding materials are generally more sustainable and provide more nutrients to your worm castings, while inorganic bedding materials can be useful in certain situations, or to help in your recycling efforts.

Experiment with different materials to find the one that works best for you and your worms.

Preparing the Bedding for Your Red Wiggler Worms

When it comes to worm bedding, preparation is key. In this section, we'll discuss the three main factors to consider when preparing your worm bedding: moisture content, texture, and acidity.

Moisture Content

One of the most important factors to consider when preparing your worm bedding is moisture content. Worms need a moist environment to thrive, but too much moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions and the growth of harmful bacteria.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for a moisture content of around 70-80%. To achieve this, start by moistening your bedding material with water. You want it to be damp, but not soaking wet. A good test is to squeeze a handful of bedding - it should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

It's important to monitor the moisture content of your bedding regularly. If it starts to feel too dry, mist it with water. If it feels too wet, add dry bedding material to absorb the excess moisture.

One secret I’ve learned when working with bedding and moisture is to add some Terraganix EM-1 and molasses to the bedding when you moisten it. It will assist in decomposing the bedding, and the bacteria and fungi contained within the EM-1 is great food for the worms!

Texture

The texture of your worm bedding is also important. Worms need a soft, fluffy material to burrow into, and the bedding should provide enough structure to allow for air flow and drainage.

Some of the best materials for worm bedding include shredded paper or cardboard, aged compost, peat moss, and coconut coir. Avoid materials that are too dense or compacted, like soil or sand.

When preparing your bedding, aim for a loose, fluffy texture. You can achieve this by fluffing up your bedding material with your hands or a fork before adding it to your worm bin.

Acidity

The acidity, or pH, of your worm bedding is also important. Worms prefer a neutral pH, between 6.5 and 7.5. If the bedding is too acidic or too alkaline, it can harm your worms and disrupt the balance of your bin.

To test the pH of your bedding, you can use a soil pH test kit. If the pH is too low, you can add a small amount of agricultural lime to raise it. If the pH is too high, you can add a small amount of sulfur to lower it.

It's important to note that the pH of your bedding can change over time as the worms digest and break down the material. Regularly monitoring the pH and making adjustments as needed can help ensure a healthy environment for your worms.

How to Add Bedding to Your Red Wiggler Worms' Habitat

Adding bedding to your red wiggler worms' habitat is an essential part of vermicomposting. Bedding provides a comfortable environment for your worms to live and thrive in, and it also helps to absorb excess moisture and prevent odors. In this section, we will cover two techniques for adding bedding to your worm bin: layering and mixing.

Layering Technique

The layering technique involves adding bedding and food scraps in alternating layers. This technique is great for beginners because it's easy to do and requires minimal effort.

To layer your worm bin, simply add a layer of bedding (about 2-3 inches thick) to the bottom of the bin. Then, add a layer of food scraps on top of the bedding. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the bin. Make sure to cover the food scraps with a layer of bedding to prevent fruit flies and other pests from getting in.

When using the layering technique, it's important to keep the bedding moist but not too wet. If the bedding is too dry, your worms won't be able to move through it easily. If it's too wet, it can become anaerobic and produce bad odors.

Mixing Technique

The mixing technique involves adding bedding and food scraps together and mixing them thoroughly. This technique is great for more experienced vermicomposters because it requires a bit more effort.

To mix your worm bin, start by adding a layer of bedding to the bottom of the bin. Then, add a layer of food scraps on top of the bedding. Use a garden fork or trowel to mix the bedding and food scraps together thoroughly. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the bin.

When using the mixing technique, it's important to make sure the bedding and food scraps are well mixed. This will help to distribute the food evenly throughout the bin and prevent hot spots from forming. It's also important to keep the bedding moist but not too wet.

Whichever technique you choose, make sure to add bedding regularly to your worm bin. As a general rule of thumb, you should add bedding every time you add food scraps. This will help to maintain a healthy environment for your worms and keep your vermicomposting system running smoothly.

Maintaining Your Red Wiggler Worms' Bedding

Keeping your red wiggler worms happy and healthy is essential for a thriving worm bin. One key factor in maintaining a healthy worm bin is the bedding. Here are some tips for keeping your red wiggler worms' bedding in top shape:

Turning the Bedding

Turning the bedding is an important part of maintaining a healthy worm bin. It helps to distribute moisture and oxygen evenly throughout the bin, and it also prevents the bedding from becoming compacted, which can lead to odor and other issues.

We recommend turning the bedding at least once a week. To do this, simply use a pitchfork or other tool to gently lift and fluff the bedding. Be careful not to disturb the worms too much, as this can stress them out.

Adding New Bedding

As your worms eat through their bedding, you'll need to add new bedding to keep them happy and healthy. We recommend adding new bedding every 2-3 months, or as needed.

When adding new bedding, be sure to use materials that are critter-free, non-toxic, and odorless. Good options include shredded newspaper, coconut coir, and peat moss. Avoid using materials that are abrasive or contain chemicals that could harm your worms.

Before adding the new bedding, moisten it with water until it feels like a damp sponge. This will help to provide the moisture that your worms need to thrive.

By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy and happy home for your red wiggler worms. Remember to keep an eye on the moisture level, and be sure to remove any uneaten food or other waste regularly to prevent odor and other issues.

Our Favorite Red Wiggler Bedding

Our worms are bedded in moistened shredded junk mail and cardboard from shipping boxes that we don’t need.

The main problem we’ve found with the junk mail is sorting it since most junk mail contains envelopes with plastic “windows” that we don’t want in with the worms. We also sort out any glossy paper or anything else questionable.

We shred both the paper and the cardboard with a paper shredder.

As we have it, we also mix in well cured compost to give the worms more food and for them to finish off any “loose ends” in the compost.

Conclusion

After researching and experimenting with different types of bedding for our red wiggler worms, we have come to the conclusion that the best bedding is one that is moist, well-aerated, and has a neutral pH level. It should also be able to retain moisture without becoming too wet or compacted. Good bedding can also be eaten by the worms. In fact, up to 50% of a worm's diet may consist of its bedding.

We found that shredded newspaper, cardboard, and coconut coir are all excellent choices for worm bedding. They are readily available, affordable, and easy to prepare. We also discovered that adding a small amount of grit, such as crushed eggshells or sand, can help aid in the worms' digestion and overall health.

If you're feeling courageous and want to try something different, we recommend experimenting with other types of bedding, such as leaves, straw, or even shredded junk mail (as long as it's not glossy or coated in plastic). Just be sure to monitor the moisture levels and adjust as necessary.

Overall, choosing the right bedding for your red wiggler worms is crucial for their health and well-being. By providing them with a comfortable home, they will reward you with nutrient-rich compost that can be used to fertilize your plants and garden. Happy worm composting!