Francesca Mutton asked 6 years ago
Hi Brian, can worm farm worms be used on backyard compost heaps that sit on the soil? A friend wants to give some of her plentiful supply of worm farm worms to her father who is starting a compost heap in his backyard. When I went to a workshop at the local council, I was sure they said that the types of worms used for big compost heaps (that you would use a shovel to turn thing around) are completely different worms, but maybe I misunderstood, maybe worm farm worms cannot be put into normal garden bed soil. I would appreciate your answer. Regards, Francesca
wormadmin Staff answered 6 years ago
Hi Francesca
Composting worms will live in compost heaps/piles, as long as there is sufficient safe material for them to escape from the heat generated by the new additions to the heap – or if you are careful that the additions dont heat the pile up.
So, start with some well aged grass, and build on that slowly.
Dig the ground up where the pile is going to be made, so they can get into the earth a bit, away from the heat.
Also make the pile in the shade, so they arent heated up by the sun too much.
A cover is also good, so that the rain doesnt soak the pile – this may cause the worms to vacate the pile if it gets too sodden.
Composting worms can be put in a garden where the conditions are suitable – and especially if you make a garden feeding station, like so
https://thewormman.com.au/instructions-for-putting-composting-worms-in-the-garden/
Thanks for asking your question
Regards
Brian