Summer is here! 2012 looks like it has another hot, dry summer season in store for San Diego. It is important to protect your valuable composting worms from high temperatures and dry conditions. Red wrigglers cannot leave our vermicomposting bins to escape the heat, so it’s up to us to keep them cool during the warm summer months. Here are a few tips:
- Keep the worm bin out of direct sunlight by placing it under shade, in the garage, on the patio or even inside the house (especially when temperatures exceed 100 degrees)
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Keep the bedding evenly moist with water but be sure the bin is also draining properly. You may need to add water periodically during the summer months.
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Consider freezing food scraps before adding to the bin during especially hot periods.
- Remember that it is the internal bedding temperature of the bin, not the ambient temperature that is relevant for worm comfort.
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Discourage ants, which tend to be more active in summer, by keeping the area of the bins free of debris, ensuring moist bedding, and putting the bin legs in dishes full of water.
These tips will help keep your worms cool and happy this summer!
