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The Worms
The species of worm most suited for worm composting is the eisenia fetida, known under various common names, including redworms, brandling worms, "tiger worms" and red wiggler worms.
These worms thrive on moist organic materials such as food scraps, eating as much as their own weight per day.
The recommended ratio of worms to food is: for about 400 grams per day of food waste (a typical amount for a family of four or six), use a minimum of 500 grams of worms (just over 2000 worms) and preferably 900 grams (about 6000 worms).
It doesn't matter if you are unable to obtain this number of worms initially just reduce the quantity of food fed accordingly.
If you provide ideal conditions, the worm population will steadily increase, doubling their numbers every 40 or so days.
Where to obtain your worms
“Tiger Worms” live wherever a good supply of organic matter is available. You can check yours or a friend's compost heap for worms, and collect them. The kids will love this! Or else purchase them from a local fishing tackle shop or mail order source.
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