How to Care for Compost Worms in Cold Weather

Overview

The easiest way to care for your compost worms during cold weather is to take your compost bin indoors or place it in a shed or garage. This is not always possible, however, especially if you have a large compost heap or a compost bin made from some type of hard-to-move frame. If you can't move your outdoor compost pile indoors, you can still keep your compost going and your worms alive with a few simple steps.

Step 1

Add manure to your compost pile to warm it up in the winter. The high nitrogen levels in the manure mixed with leaves will create heat as the properties react with one another in your compost, thus warming the compost pile or bin for your worms.

Step 2

Add shredded leaves to your compost pile to insulate the worms. In addition to mixing the shredded leaves into the pile, spread a thick layer of the leaves or some straw over the top of the heap or bin.

Step 3

Drape a piece of plastic sheeting or a tarp over your compost bin or heap. The plastic will help to protect the worms from snow, ice and freezing rain.

Step 4

Place hay bales around your compost heap to insulate it. Lay a piece of plywood or corrugated plastic on top to insulate the worms from precipitation and cold winds.