Got worms in my Compost Pile

[John S.]

I thought worms were into cold composting...but my compost pile which is technically "hot composting" has a battalion of worms in it.

Generally, I can see worms in my garden plots and in the yard but this is a rare phenomenon for me to see them rummaging in my compost pile.

Does this mean they are starving and cannot find food anywhere else?

[farmerbrie]

I don't see worms inside my compost pile but I can find some worms in the bottom of the pile where the compost materials meet with the soil. I guess it's pretty cool in there for the worms to live.

[rosiethumb]

In my experience I noticed that worms usually move in when the temperature within the compost is down or relatively cool. This occurs during the pre-termination stage of the composting process when the materials have already been broken down and there is no more materials to "cook"

[John S.]

Come to think of it, i guess my bin is nearing its termination stage.

I guess I'll have my compost soon and a vermicompost bonus

[farmerpiper]

I thought worms were into cold composting...but my compost pile which is technically "hot composting" has a battalion of worms in it.

Generally, I can see worms in my garden plots and in the yard but this is a rare phenomenon for me to see them rummaging in my compost pile.

Does this mean they are starving and cannot find food anywhere else?

Maybe the climate in your area has been too hot for them to stay outside and your pile is the coolest place they can find.

[garden ann]

yeah i also think it's a climate thing.

There are no worms in my pile but there worms under the pots where the soil is moist and the environment is cooler.

[vermigiant]

perhaps your pile has a high moisture content therefore very attractive to the worms. Remember they need the damp environment because they respire thru their skin

[ladybug]

Come to think of it, perhaps I can make my own hot and cold compost

It will be set up as a worm bin/pile and filled with reds. When the worms have started working, I can add materials (greens and browns) on top. I may need to water it to keep moisture levels up. I'll document it so you people will know the outcome of this experiment ehem

[krissy]

Oftentimes, we put a thick dark line between a compost pile and a worm bin whether it may be located outdoors or indoors. But in some ways, it may seem that it is only a fine line that separates the two.

[frankwiggler]

Originally Posted by garden ann

yeah i also think it's a climate thing.

There are no worms in my pile but there worms under the pots where the soil is moist and the environment is cooler.

I also discover a worm or two under potted plants when I move them. Beneath the potted plants are ideal environments for the worms. Regularly watered potted plants maintains a dark moisturized environment underneath them which worms prefer.

I wrote a review on worms particularly on Red Wiggler composting worms and how to manage worm bins. Please have a look, I hope they can help as a guide for you.