Worms Composting

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Benefits rule 7 of the 7 composting rules (click here)

The traditional tried and tested method of composting involves aerobic decomposition - piling material into a compost bin and leaving it naturally to breakdown. With a well-balanced mix of material, access to air, heat builds up, and compost is produced.

Worm composting is a different method of recycling organic waste into a valuable compost using a colony of worms living in a bedding material. If managed properly the worms will continue working 24 hours a day.

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Wormery including perspex panel

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For a worm compost bin to work effectively the worms must have a good supply of air, from the bottom to top of the bin. It is more important to have surface area than depth. There are many different species of worm but the worms used in waste recycling are all 'compost or litter worms'. These are worms that live on or just below the soil level and feed off the decaying organic material on the surface of the soil. They do not burrow to any great extent.

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Wormery with perspex panel & boards removed 

Our composting worms are a mixture containing several specie of worms and are  more effective over the coarse of a year than using a single species. For example, some species prefer warm conditions, some prefer wetter conditions, whilst others prefer animal manures and so on. This mix of worms can also be used to add to existing compost bins. All worms are native to the UK.

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How many worms do I need? The following table compares the quantity of worms, to the surface area of the material in the bin, to the weight of material in the bin. Our recommendation is to start of with a small quantity and top up as necessary.

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Once the compost bin is full and the worms have gathered near the surface they can be harvested with the top organic layer of the compost bin and started of at the base of the next one.

Bedding Kits

As long as there is damp organic matter present, worms will continue to feed, breed and grow, they will multiply to the amount of food available. For a worm composting system to work effectively the worms are best started off in worm bedding material. Once you have been composting with worms for a while you will be able to prepare your own worm bedding material, should you choose to do so. With the bedding kit the worms travel better and arrive stress free in "a home from home" the worms and bedding are simply placed straight into the worm bin, which eliminates problems with establishing worms in fresh materials.

Wormery with removeable perspex panel

The one major drawback in using fresh materials as the bedding mix is that bacteria, fungi and other microbes that worms rely on for food will not be present in any great quantity. Even when the first food layer is placed onto the bedding the same applies. This combined with the stress of being handled and introduced into this alien new environment can, and usually does, cause the worms to crawl and leave the bedding and usually the bin. This usually occurs at night and the first time it is noticed is when you find very few worms left in the bin and most have dried up on the floor! In the event that your purchase decides to crawl away at night we are unable to refund!


Delivery is by carrier and will need a signature on arrival. If you are likely to be out please make alternative arrangements with a neighbour. The carrier will not leave your order on the doorstep! If you order with a compost bin we will only deliver the worms after consultation with you and once the bin has been set-up and you are ready to take charge of your new family of worms.

Delivery Details - Other Products:
Products on this page have the delivery charge 'waived' when purchased with a 'Main Product'. Please see our 'Delivery' information page. Please allow 3 - 10 days for delivery.