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Wormery question

  • 13-05-2007 5:05pm
    #1
    hoyden
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18 ✭


    Hi All

    We have a womery (Can of Worms) that we've been filling since Christmas. We are now filling the third layer as the first and second layers were filled. The bottom layer is full of happy worms and compost-like material. However, the second layer is now a nasty soggy black mess of decomposed veg and no worms apparent. I'm assuming we started the second layer too soon and the worms were too busy eating in the lower level to make it up. Does anyone know if I should just chuck out the soggy mess and start again or will they eventually eat it? They don't seem interested at the moment!

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    i71jskz5xu42pb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,806 ✭✭✭i71jskz5xu42pb


    I'm having the same problem (different colour sludge though.)

    I think it might be something do with overfeeding from looking though the manual


  • #3
    Alun
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,499 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    I have the same wormery, and it can be difficult keeping it from going like this. What I do is to regularly mix in both shredded paper and cardboard, and when I add new stuff, to go in there with a good sturdy pair of rubber gloves and give everything a good rummage about to get some air into the mixture. When it turns to a sludge like this, it's usually associated with a nasty smell too, which are a sign of different kind of bacteria (anaerobic) getting in on the act. Aerobic bacteria are what you're aiming for.

    Also certain things, I've learned, are a big no-no .. citrus fruit skins, and onion peelings and skins. Worms like a fairly pH neutral to slightly alkaline environment, and these things make it too acidic for them. Your bottom layer is probably still 99% the coir bedding that came with the wormery when you bought it.

    A good resource is the Worm Forum, here ...http://www.recycleworks.co.uk/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=5


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