Question 1

What material do you recommend for the worm bedding in the Subpod?

Accepted Answer

The ideal material for worm bedding is coconut coir. It holds water very well, which keeps the worms moist, can be a food supply for your worms and is also a good carbon source. Dried bricks are easily purchased in the gardening section of garden stores such as Bunnings and Home Depot.

If fine and coarse forms are available, choose the fine.

Follow the directions on the pack to pre-soak the coir with water until it has fully swelled and is uniformly damp, but not dripping wet. The worms can be directly added on top of this pre-moistened bedding.

To save money, shredded (non-glossy) paper or newspaper is another option, but not as ideal for initially setting up bedding as it clumps together when wet. Any carbon material can be used as long as it is damp.

Question 2

Does my food waste need to be broken up into small pieces before adding to the Subpod?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to chop everything up small for the worms, but it does speed up the process so your food will break down even faster.

Composting will still take place in the warm, moist environment if you put in larger chunks. The worms will just wait until the microbes have softened up the more resistant pieces.

Remember to use the aerator when you add food so larger chunks are sent below the surface to break down, rather than drying out.

Question 3

How to look after my Subpod in extreme heat?

Accepted Answer

The Subpod lid is insulated to keep out direct heat from the sun, but if you live in an extremely hot climate, we recommend installing your Subpod in a shady location to prevent overheating or build a shade structure to protect it in the heat of the day. Keeping the worm blanket wet/moist will also help to keep your Subpod cool.

Question 4

What do I do about waste shrinkage in the lower trays of the wormery?

Accepted Answer

It is important to maintain the level of waste in the lower trays of the wormery as the waste is reducing. If the level drops too much then it makes if difficult for the worms to access the levels above.

Question 5

Should I add cardboard to the sump tray of my wormery?

Accepted Answer

This is not needed. If the worms are congregating in the sump tray then this is an indication that there is an issue with the contents of the upper trays.

Question 6

Why does my Subpod smell?

Accepted Answer

If your Subpod smells, it indicates that food is rotting before the worms can eat it or there is not enough oxygen in the system.

In most cases, adding more carbon should balance your Subpod out

Add carbon sources such as shredded newspaper or cardboard, coconut peat, wood shavings, dry leaves or sawdust each time you feed your Subpod, along with a handful of biochar.

Have you been using your aerator? Each time you add your food waste make sure you use the compost aerator to mix the scaps thoroughly whilst also adding oxygen to the Subpod, which creates a healthy, fresh-smelling aerobic environment.

Question 7

Are normal earthworms suitable for composting?

Accepted Answer

Normal earthworms, also known as "garden worms" or "lob worms," are not typically suitable for composting. These worms are typically found in soil and are not well adapted to the conditions found in a worm composting bin. They require specific conditions such as a certain temperature and pH range to survive.