Question 1

Why have I got Fruit Flies in my Subpod?

Accepted Answer

Fruit flies can enter Subpod when you are adding your food waste. They can also get into the system before your food scraps are added to Subpod if there’s a loose lid.

The more thoroughly you stir your food waste into the bedding, the less likely you will have a problem with fruit flies and other insects. If you add more moist bedding (carbon), it’s easier to bury the food waste thoroughly. Make sure that the larger holes on the sides of your Subpod are below the soil line in your garden bed.

Any fruit fly larvae that finds its way into the Subpod will slowly diminish over time if the above techniques are used.

Question 2

How do I harvest my worm compost without the worms?

Accepted Answer

There are a few methods to harvest worm compost without the worms:

The "bottom tray" method: This method involves removing the bottom tray of the wormery and placing it on top of the top tray and removing the lid. This will allow the worms to migrate downwards. The compost in the bottom tray can then be harvested without disturbing the worms.
The "windrow" method: This method involves creating a "windrow" (a long, narrow pile) of the worm compost on top of a piece of plastic sheeting. The worms will migrate to one end of the windrow, leaving the compost at the other end ready for harvest.
The "casting" method: This method involves allowing the worms to work the compost for a longer period of time, until the castings (the worm manure) have dropped to the bottom of the tray, where they can be harvested without worms.
The "screen" method: This method involves using a screen or sifter to separate the compost from the worms. The worms are placed in a new container with fresh bedding and food scraps, while the compost can be collected and used.

Question 3

Why is my wormery not producing worm tea?

Accepted Answer

Worm composters, also known as worm bins or vermicomposters, produce a liquid known as worm tea or leachate. This liquid is a nutrient-rich byproduct of the composting process that can be used as a fertiliser for plants. If your worm composter is not producing any liquid, there are a few possible reasons:

Insufficient moisture: The worm bin should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. If the bin is too dry, the worms will not be able to break down the organic matter and produce leachate.
Lack of food: The worms will not produce leachate if there is not enough food for them to consume. Make sure you are providing the worms with a steady supply of food scraps. This is the most usual problem.
Not enough worms: Leachate is produced as a by-product of the worms breaking down organic matter. If there are not enough worms in the bin, there may not be enough activity to produce leachate.
The liquid is being absorbed: If the bedding material is not draining well and is too compacted, the liquid will be absorbed by the bedding instead of draining out. Make sure to check the drainage and aeration of your worm bin.
The liquid is evaporating: If the bin is open or not covered properly, the liquid will evaporate before it can be collected. Make sure the bin is properly covered or use a worm composter that has a spigot for easy collection of the liquid.

For more help with your wormery and frequently asked questions pop on over to https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/pages/wormery-faqs. Or if you’re keen to get started or order a wormery please visit https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/collections/worm-composting

Question 4

Why won't my worms stay put?

Accepted Answer

What to do if the worms try to escape from your worm composter!

There could be several reasons why your worms are trying to escape on the first night:

Stress: The worms may be stressed due to the change in environment, this could be the case if the worms were harvested from the wild or from a different composting setup. They may need some time to adjust to their new home.

For more help with your wormery and frequently asked questions pop on over to https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/pages/wormery-faqs. Or if you’re keen to get started or order a wormery please visit https://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/collections/worm-composting

Question 5

How does Subpod differ from other worm composting systems?

Accepted Answer

It allows you to compost directly in your garden allowing the worms and microbes to distribute nutrients into the soil.

Because you’re composting in the soil, your system is insulated → which means you can compost in a variety of climates

Subpod sits 90% below ground, which deters pests and predators

The worms are able to move freely between the Subpod module and the surrounding garden which creates a worm friendly environment.

The Subpod has a unique modular design, which allows multiple systems to be installed in one bed and cater to larger volumes of waste.

Question 6

How much food waste can be processed in Subpod?

Accepted Answer

Once your worm population builds up you can feed your Subpod 30L (7.9 gal.) or 15kgs (34 lb) of food waste per week.

Question 7

What are the dimensions/specifications and capacity of the Subpod?

Accepted Answer

The external dimensions are: 750mm (29.5 in.) L x 450mm (17.7 in.) W x 430mm (16.9 in.) H, including the lid. The internal dimensions are: 710mm (28 in.) L x 410mm (16.1in.) W x 290mm (11.5 in.) H below the soil level.

A total internal volume of 115L, (30 gallons), which gives a total composting volume of 84L (22 gallons) due to the soil level and air flow area at the top.

Question 8

Does Subpod need any maintenance?

Accepted Answer

When you add your food scraps and carbon material to the Subpod, you'll need to mix them through using an aerator. This takes a few minutes each time you feed the worms.

If the soil surrounding Subpod settles and starts to reveal the Subpod wormholes (beneath the airflow panels), more soil (and mulch) needs to be added to cover the holes.

Otherwise, just keep feeding your worms and keep the blanket moist when you are adding more food.

Question 9

How many worms do I need per Subpod?

Accepted Answer

You'll need a minimum of 1000 worms, but 2000 is better. If you really want to kick start your Subpod, you can add up to 4000 worms.

Question 10

How and when to harvest the compost/castings?

Accepted Answer

After 2-3 months or when your Subpod is full, you can harvest your Subpod compost.