Composting Success
Composting Chart
Here’s a chart outlining items that are safe for worms browns and greens, grits materials for bedding, and cautionary items, citrus and tips.
This chart provides a guide for what to include in a worm bin safe for worms, suitable bedding materials grits, and items to be cautious about citrus and tips for general composting success.
What’s Safe to Feed your Worms
Worms can compost a variety of organic materials, including:
1. Fruit and vegetable scraps (avoid citrus fruits and onions)
2. Coffee grounds and filters
3. Tea bags (remove staples if present)
4. Eggshells (crushed)
5. Bread and grains
6. Paper (shredded newspaper, cardboard, paper towels)
7. Leaves and yard waste (avoid chemically treated plants)
8. Plant trimmings and grass clippings (free from pesticides)
9. Manure from herbivores (horse, cow, rabbit, etc.)
10. Sawdust and wood shavings (from untreated wood)
Remember to avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, pet waste, and anything treated with pesticides or chemicals to your worm bin.
The amount of food worms eat can vary based on factors such as the number of worms, the size of the worms, and the availability of food. On average, worms can consume roughly their own weight in food each day. So, for example, if you have 1 pound of worms, they could eat about 1 pound of food per day. However, it’s important not to overfeed them, as this can lead to issues like odors and pests in your worm bin. Start with smaller amounts of food and adjust based on how quickly the worms consume it.
