How to choose a wormery
The effectiveness of your wormery depends on several factors, such as the amount of waste produced by your household and any limitations or preferences on where you can site it. So consider the following points before buying
■ Which size is right? With stacking wormery designs, you can buy up to three or four working trays to suit your needs. Sizes vary significantly so check the tray capacity, which ranges from 12 to 25L. As a rough guide, a small wormery is fine for one or two people, while households of three or more should go for a larger model. If choosing a stacking design, have a minimum of two trays, although three is best to give worms enough time to thoroughly process waste. When assessing waste quantity, bear in mind that worms also need about a third by volume of carbon-rich material like crumpled-up paper and brown (not shiny) cardboard.
■ Where will it go? Location is crucial. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sun as worms are likely to die at over 35°C (their optimum working temperature is 15-25°C). Ideally, site your wormery in shelter and part or full shade. This should be somewhere you can access it easily so you can empty the kitchen waste caddy whenever you need to and drain the liquid a couple of times a week. Wormeries are magnificently versatile and can be sited outdoors, in an outbuilding and indoors in a porch or cellar – even the kitchen. Just be aware that a neglected wormery can start to smell.
■ Which design is best? If siting somewhere prominent like a balcony, courtyard, patio or indoors, appearance and style may well influence your choice, but first and foremost a wormery must work well. Almost all stacking wormeries let in some rain and hence need protection if sited outdoors, although the WormBox, Hungry Bin and Original Wormery are all rainproof. Colour is important as black absorbs most heat, so avoid this if your only suitable spot is in the sun. Wormeries with square bases are the most stable.
■ What do you get for your money? Before you buy, check what is included in the price, especially the contents of the starter kit, which can vary considerably, ranging from just worms to bedding, a coir mat and a book on worm composting. Consider the warranty too. Wormery eco-credentials also vary widely. Some are made mostly or totally from recycled plastic while others contain none.
What should you feed it? Worms prefer a varied diet and love all raw or cooked vegetables, fruit, coffee grounds, teabags, eggshells and the odd bit of bread. Small amounts of garden waste can also be added, as well as shredded paper and cardboard. Chop food into smaller pieces to help it get eaten faster. Avoid meat, fish and dairy products.