Which worms are best for composting in the UK?

Dendrobaena worms are excellent for composting in the UK. They are hardy, can handle varying temperatures, and process organic waste quickly. At Wormi Vermi, our worms are organic and peat-free, perfect for starting a home worm farm.

What can I feed my composting worms?

Worms love fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells. Avoid dairy, meat, oily foods, and high amounts of citrus or onions. Always include 'browns' like shredded cardboard to maintain a healthy balance in your bin.

How long does it take to make vermicompost?

Depending on the size of your worm population and the amount of waste, you can start harvesting rich vermicompost (Black Gold) in 3 to 6 months. Chopping scraps into smaller pieces helps the worms process them faster.

Do composting worms smell?

A healthy worm bin should have a pleasant, earthy smell like a forest floor. If it smells bad, it usually means it is too wet or has too much food. Adding more shredded cardboard (carbon) usually fixes the issue quickly.

Is vermicompost better than regular compost?

Yes! Vermicompost is more nutrient-dense and contains a higher concentration of beneficial microbes and enzymes. It acts as a natural growth stimulant and helps suppress soil-borne diseases in your garden.

Composting for Beginners: Turn Your Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold

At Wormi Vermi, we believe that "waste" isn't waste—it’s just a resource in the wrong place. Whether you have a massive allotment in Yorkshire or a small kitchen in the city, you can turn your food scraps into the world’s best fertiliser: Vermicompost.

Here is your simple, no-nonsense guide to starting your own worm-powered composting revolution.

Why Vermicompost? (The Power of the Worm)

Traditional composting heaps can take a year to break down. Vermicomposting (composting with worms) is faster, more efficient, and creates "Black Gold"—a nutrient-dense soil amendment that's packed with beneficial microbes.

Space-Saver: You don't need a huge garden; a small bin under the sink or in a garage works perfectly.
Peat-Free & Organic: You control exactly what goes into your soil.
Reduce Your Footprint: Stop sending food waste to the landfill and start feeding your plants instead.

Step 1: The Setup

To start, you only need three things:

A Bin: Anything from a DIY plastic tote to a dedicated "Worm Hotel." Ensure it has air holes and a way to drain liquid.
The Bedding: Shredded cardboard, newspaper, or coco coir. This gives the worms a home and balances the moisture.
The Stars of the Show: Red wigglers. These are the "pro composters" of the worm world—they are hardy, hungry, and thrive in composting environments.

Step 2: The "Worm Menu"

Worms aren't picky, but they do have a few likes and dislikes. To keep your bin smelling fresh and your worms happy, follow this simple list:

✅ Feed Them These	❌ Avoid These
Fruit & Veg Scraps (Peels, cores)	Meat, Dairy, or Bones
Coffee Grounds & Paper Filters	Oily or Greasy Foods
Crushed Eggshells (Great for pH!)	Large amounts of Citrus or Onions
Shredded Cardboard & Junk Mail	Pet Waste

Top Tip: Chop your scraps small! The smaller the pieces, the faster your worms can turn them into compost. Freezing them first is also a great way to ensure they break down fast.

Step 3: Harvesting Your "Black Gold"

After 3–6 months, the bottom of your bin will be filled with dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling soil. This is vermicompost. * How to use it: Mix it into your potting soil, sprinkle it around the base of your houseplants, or "top-dress" your garden beds before spring. Your plants will thank you with bigger blooms and healthier harvests.

Don't want to wait?

If you aren't ready to start your own bin yet, you can still give your garden the best. We offer Hand-Harvested, 100% Organic Vermicompost right here in Huddersfield. It’s peat-free, plastic-free, and ready to use.

Buy Living Soil Amendment

Get Started Today

Ready to meet your new hardest-working garden employees? Our live Dendrobaena worms are delivered in breathable, eco-friendly packaging, ready to get to work.

Order Your Composting Worms Now

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