What To Feed Your Red Wigglers (Worm Compost)           

by Colleen

A year ago, we got worms. Red wigglers, that is! We purchased a quarter pound of red wiggler worms to start our own vermicompost (a compost system that focuses on using worms to break down the compost’s contents). One of the first things I learned was what to feed red wiggler worms and what not to feed the red wigglers. Feeding the squirmy, little ones right keeps them healthy, happy, reproducing, and… well… pooping.

What Not To Feed Your Red Wigglers (The Bad)

First, let me tell you what not to feed your red wiggler worms: onion, garlic, citrus, anything spicy, cooked and packaged foods, dairy products, oils, and meat.

What To Feed Your Red Wigglers (The Good)

Now, what can you feed your red wiggler worms? I feed our red wigglers only raw food, and preferably food that comes from my own garden. Typically, this is kitchen scraps: carrots, beets and beet tops, squash, yams, beans, peas, potato skins, cucumber, crushed eggshells, bananas and banana peel. Unless it’s on “The Bad” list, I give them almost any vegetable or fruit.

raw vegetables on cutting board next to a compost container
Photo by Lenka Dzurendova on Unsplash

How Often To Water Worm Compost

Worms need water, too. But not too much.

When I first started our worm compost, I lightly sprayed water on the top to add moisture. I checked the vermicompost every day and added water only if it was dry. Now, I find that the moisture in the food scraps is enough to keep the vermicompost moist, so I focus on keeping the compost from getting too wet (I add more bedding, or shredded paper, when this happens). Ideally, the worm compost should be moist like a wrung-out sponge.

red wigggler worms and soil in hands from vermicompost worm bin

Did you read this whole post while wondering why we have a vermicompost? Let me tell you why: As the worms digest food, they produce castings (worm poop!) that are made up of organisms that help with plant growth and plant health. I add the worm castings to my vegetable seedlings and other plants.

Keeping a worm compost is easy and productive if you feed them right and give them a healthy environment. Knowing what to feed your red wigglers will help.  “And just what are the red wigglers’ favourite foods?” you ask.  Banana peels and squash!