If you are thinking about getting into
vermicomposting, you may be wondering about what type of substrate is best used
for bedding. Those living in rural areas or on farms are likely to have access
to plenty of straw, and maybe wonder if it is a good and safe option to use for
bedding in worm composting bins.
Not to bury the lead, we’ll come out with it: yes, using straw for bedding is fine, but with the caveat that it has to be prepared correctly before application. Straw does have certain advantages, but also some drawbacks. With that said, let’s break down the positives and negatives of using straw and discuss how to make it a suitable bedding choice for your red wigglers.
The Benefits of Using Straw as Worm Bedding
Worm bedding is ideal when the carbon and
nitrogen ratio is properly aligned, an aspect that is vital to the health of
your composting worms. Since straw is naturally high in carbon, it makes for
excellent bedding material for your compost bin. Red wigglers thrive in
environments with well-balanced organic material, and carbon-rich bedding plays
a major role in that balance.
Like most living creatures, red wigglers
depend on oxygen for survival and to do their composting work efficiently. That
brings us to straw’s other important benefit: its semi-porous nature, a quality
that allows for great airflow throughout the bin. Good ventilation keeps the
composting system healthy and vibrant by preventing the buildup of harmful
anaerobic bacteria.
The Drawbacks of Fresh Straw
While straw certainly has its benefits in
terms of being a bedding material, it also poses some challenges that need to
be considered, especially when it’s used while fresh. Fresh straw is not very
moisture-retentive, so it can cause your compost bin to become too dry,
creating unfavorable living conditions for red wiggler worms. Because they need
a damp environment for mobility and breathing, bedding lacking adequate
moisture can stress or even kill your worms.
Another notable drawback to using straw
that has not been aged is that it might still contain traces of pesticides,
herbicides, or fungicides, depending on where it was harvested. Introducing
these chemical residues into your vermicomposting system can be harmful or
lethal to live red wiggler worms, especially within the confines of their
environment.
Correct Way To Prepare Straw For Red Wigglers
To maximize the benefits and eliminate
the risks of using straw in red wiggler bedding, it's important to take the
proper steps in its preparation. One effective method is to leave straw exposed
to the elements for several weeks. When allowed to be absorbed by straw,
rainwater helps break down its waxy outer layer, making it more absorbent and
hospitable to the composting worm population. Once it’s damp and beginning to
decompose slightly, it becomes a much better bedding option for your red
wigglers.
Many worm farmers recommend mixing aged
straw with partially composted manure for a boost of nutrients. This
combination provides both composition and food for your compost worms. However,
you should avoid using this mix during hot summers as it can generate heat,
which may harm your red wigglers. In cooler weather, on the other hand, the
heat it generates can actually help warm your composting bin, especially if you
keep it outdoors.
The Takeaway
Remember that red wigglers, while highly
effective decomposers, are particularly sensitive to their habitat. Straw can
be a highly beneficial addition to your worm bin when prepared and used
correctly. Properly aged straw for bedding offers the moisture, airflow, and
carbon supplements that your red wigglers will need in their bedding to thrive.
With regular temperature and moisture monitoring, your worms can be healthy and
productive in straw-based bedding.