What Do Worms Eat

Worm diet composition

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

Optimal feeding ratio for worm diet

• 70:30 ratio: The ideal vermicomposting ratio for what worms eat is 70% brown matter (paper, wood, dried plants) to 30% green matter (food scraps, young plants, wet leaves)
• Bedding-to-food ratio: For new vermicomposters, a 3:1 to 5:1 bedding-to-food ratio is recommended to ensure proper moisture and aeration in the worm diet

Food preparation guidelines for worm food

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

Calcium-rich food sources for worms

• Eggshells: Dried, ground eggshells provide calcium, grit, and help neutralize acidity in worm bins
• High-calcium diet: Commercial products like Fluker's High-Calcium Mealworm Diet can be used to increase calcium content in what worms eat

Moisture content in worm food

• Optimal range: Maintain moisture content between 60-85% for proper worm health and activity
• Squeeze test: Perform the "Squeeze Test" to check moisture content without a meter; if you get more than one or two drops of water, it's too wet for the worm diet

Feeding citrus and acidic foods to worms

• Moderation: Citrus peels can be fed to worms in moderation, allowing them to retreat to bedding if needed
• pH balance: Add crushed eggshells, dolomite, or snail shells to help balance pH levels when feeding acidic foods to worms

FAQ

What do worms eat in nature?

In nature, worms primarily eat decomposing organic matter. This includes dead plant materials, fallen leaves, and other decaying vegetation found in soil. They also consume microorganisms and bacteria present in the organic matter, which aids in their digestion process.

Can I feed my worms kitchen scraps?

Yes, kitchen scraps are an excellent food source for worms. Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and crushed eggshells are all suitable for a worm diet. However, avoid feeding them meat, dairy, oily foods, or citrus fruits in large quantities, as these can harm the worms or attract pests.

What is the ideal ratio for food for worms in vermicomposting?

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

How often should I feed my worms?

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

Are there any foods I should avoid giving to worms?

While worms can eat a wide variety of organic matter, there are some foods you should avoid or limit in their diet. These include:

• Meat, fish, and dairy products
• Oily or greasy foods
• Citrus fruits in large quantities
• Onions and garlic
• Spicy foods
• Processed foods with preservatives Stick to fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and plant materials for the healthiest worm diet.