Feed and Stampede: Using Worm Works' Worm Stampede Feed

The health, vitality and reproduction rate of the red wigglers in your bin depend on many factors including population density, temperature, moisture and bedding. Food supply is critical and affects (and is affected by) all these factors.

Worm Stampede Feed is a pelletized worm food that is formulated to closely resemble the preferred natural food source of the red wiggler (eisenia Fetida (sp)) As a dried pellet, it is easily stored on the shelf for on-demand use. When it's time to feed simply hand-sprinkle pellets over the surface of the bin and rake into the bedding so that it sits in the top inch of bedding.

The biggest question we get is 'how often and how much Stampede Feed should I use?' The answer is simple...but takes experimentation to find the right answer for your bin. Ideally, you want to sprinkle enough food over the surface of your bin so that you see barely a trace after 3 days. How much food is consumed in three days depends on worm population, temperature, moisture as well as other food sources you may be using such as kitchen and garden scraps. As these factors change with the seasons, the amount you feed every three days will change as well.

As you find that 'just right' amount, keep in mind:

• Start small. It's better to under-feed than over-feed. Worm Stampede Feed is made of natural grains and plant material. As it breaks down, it generates composting heat and if that heat is too concentrated, your worms will stay away from it.

• If this is a brand new bin with no microscopic broken down food sources, give your worms a head start by pre-dissolving pellets in water. Drizzle this food slurry in a shallow trench in the bedding. Cover the trench with bedding and let the stampede begin.

• Moisture content in your bin affects the release rate of the pellets. If you still see solid pellets after 3 days, that's an indicator it's time to add water until your bedding reaches the 'wrung-out sponge' level of moisture.

Worm Stampede feed comes in 2.5 pound bags which, in general, is enough food for 500 worms for 1 month. Contact Worm Works for larger quantities to order in bulk.