Correct Moisture In Your Worm Bin: All You Need To Know

Worm composting, also known as vermicomposting, is a great way to turn kitchen scraps and other organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for your plants. However, one of the key components to successful worm composting is maintaining the correct moisture level in your worm bin.

In this blog post: 

• The ideal moisture for your worm bin
• How to check the moisture levels in your worm bin
• What to do if your worm bin falls out of the ideal moisture level
• Conclusion

The ideal moisture for your worm bin

The ideal moisture level for a worm bin is between 60-70%. This level of moisture allows the worms to move and breathe easily, while also providing the right environment for the microorganisms that help break down the organic matter. If the moisture level is too high, the bin can become anaerobic, which can lead to bad odors and the growth of harmful bacteria. On the other hand, if the moisture level is too low, the worms can become stressed and may die.

How to check the moisture levels in your worm bin

There are a few simple ways to check the moisture level in your worm bin. One method is to take a handful of the compost and squeeze it. If a few drops of water come out, the moisture level is about right. If water drips out, the bin is too wet. If no water comes out, the bin is too dry. Another method is to stick a moisture meter into the compost to get a more precise reading. However the squeeze test is the more accurate way to test for moisture.

What to do if your worm bin falls out of the ideal moisture level

Bin is too wet:

If your bin is too wet, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, make sure that you are not adding too much water to the bin. Worms do not need to be watered like plants do, and adding too much water can lead to a wet, smelly bin. Instead, you can add more dry materials like shredded newspaper or straw to absorb the excess moisture. 

Another tip is to add more worms to the bin. The worms will help break down the organic matter and absorb some of the excess moisture. Adding more worms will also help to speed up the decomposition process, as they will consume more of the organic matter in the bin. Additionally, you can add more air to the bin by stirring the compost or adding air holes to the bin. This will help to dry out the bin and reduce the chances of anaerobic conditions.

Best tip is to always add shredded cardboard or paper under each feeding of scraps to soak up excess water being released during decomposition.

Bin is too dry:

If your bin is too dry, you can add water to the bin to bring the moisture level up. However, be careful not to add too much water at once as this can cause the bin to become too wet. You can also add more moist materials like fresh fruits and vegetables to the bin. The moisture from these materials will help bring the moisture level up. Be careful not to overfeed or you will just make another issue with moisture. 

Additional tip:

Another way to control the moisture level in your worm bin is by monitoring the temperature inside the bin. Worms are sensitive to temperature changes, and if the bin gets too hot, the worms can die. The ideal temperature range for worm composting is between 65-78°F. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature inside the bin. If the temperature is too high, you can add frozen water bottles to the bin to cool it down. If the temperature is too low, you can add more dry materials to the bin to raise the temperature.

Click here to get your very own Memes Worms Thermometer...

Conclusion

In summary, maintaining the correct moisture level in your worm bin is crucial for the health of your worms and the success of your composting. The ideal moisture level is between 60-70%, and you can check the moisture level using a few simple methods. If the bin is too wet, you can add more dry materials and worms to absorb the excess moisture. If the bin is too dry, you can add water and moist materials to bring the moisture level up. Additionally, monitoring the temperature inside the bin can also help control the moisture level. With a little care and attention, you can ensure that your worm bin is producing high-quality compost for your plants.