How to Feed Compost Worms

Overview

Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is a fun and easy way to recycle your food scraps into usable compost. Once you have your worm bin established, you'll need to provide the worms with food regularly. Worms can be fed most non-meat kitchen scraps, such as vegetable and fruit peelings.

Prepare the Food for Your Worms

Step 1

As you prepare meals or clean up your kitchen, set aside vegetable peels, fruit scraps and grain-based food scraps (cereal, cooked grains, bread-based products) for your worms. You may want to designate a specific container to put these items in until you're ready to feed your worms.

Step 2

Cut or break the food scraps into small pieces. This makes it easier for bacteria to help the worms digest the food, and helps avoid waste. If you prefer, you can run the food scraps through a blender or food processor to make a "tea" for the worms.

Step 3

Add the food scraps or tea to your established vermicomposting bin. Feed the worms only what they can consume quickly--within a day or so. The rate of consumption will increase as your worm population grows. Add food to a different corner of your bin each time you feed, so you can track how much your worms are actually eating.

Step 4

Cover the food scraps with shredded paper. This helps maintain moisture, keeps pests away and provides a dark, damp environment for your worms.