Question 1

How do I keep ants out of the Subpod?

Accepted Answer

Ants are attracted to dry conditions, so this is usually an indicator that your Subpod is too dry.

Question 2

Does Subpod attract pests and rodents?

Accepted Answer

No it shouldn’t. Subpod’s built-in ventilation panels have small holes that keep out bugs, pests and rodents, whilst allowing air to flow in. Just make sure the ‘worm holes’ in the sides of the Subpod are covered with soil so nothing can sneak in.

Some pests are attracted to the smell of rotting food. By keeping a healthy Subpod, your food won't rot, it will instead be composted by your worms and microbes.

Keep your food scraps in a sealed container/caddy to make sure bugs don’t lay eggs in your waste before you transfer it to the Subpod.

Question 3

Do you have to reintroduce new worms after you empty the compost?

Accepted Answer

When you empty your castings and compost, the worms will not be with the castings, but where the food is, on the other side of the Subpod divider.

When the system is getting full, stop feeding one side. After two weeks, most of the worms will move to the other side where the food has been added. This allows for easy harvest of the castings from the unfed side.

Question 4

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.

Question 5

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 6

What can be composted in Subpod?

Accepted Answer

You can compost a lot more in Subpod than in other worm farm systems. You can compost food scraps, including citrus, onions, and after four months of active use, even small quantities of meat, fish, dairy, and spicy foods.

Carbon items such as paper and cardboard, lawn and garden clippings, and a whole lot more can be composted in Subpod. You CANNOT compost non-organics such as plastic, tin cans, cigarettes, and such.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

What is a worm blanket? What is it used for?

Accepted Answer

Worm blankets are made of a water-absorbing, air-permeable and light blocking fabric.