How to know if my wormery is too wet

You will soon see if your worm composter is too wet – it looks visibly sodden. To check pick up some of the made compost/bedding and squeeze… It should have the consistency of a wrung out sponge. If water leaks out between your fingers – then it’s too wet. (If it’s dry and crumbly… it’s too dry.) If your worm bin is outside rain can get in through the loose fitting lid or through the air holes. Make sure your bin location is under shelter such as an awning, covered patio, shed or garage. A sheltered worm bin that is too wet usually means something is out of balance. It may be that you are adding lots of moist food scraps but the drainage and air holes are blocked. Check this out and clear them if they are blocked, and then take remedial action. Here are the best ways to dry out a vermicomposting bin in three easy steps: 1: Stop adding very moist scraps until the problem is under control. Avoid fruits, especially melon flesh. If the worm bin has a tap, open it until the problem is solved. 2: Add more bedding. For example, use coconut coir, pure peat moss, or shredded black-ink newspaper. Add a few handfuls of dry bedding on top. 3: Add a moisture mat – this will tend to keep the waste moist but at the same time soak up excess water.