Winter vermicomposting tips
How cool is that, composting even in winter! And full of anticipation, collect the worm castings, which you then give to your favorite plants in spring. This is only possible indoors, with an indoor composter like the WormUp HOME.
Background: low temperatures:
Composting takes place very little at cool temperatures. At temperatures below 5°C, the microbiological activity and worm growth in your composter comes to a complete standstill. At the latest when it is below 10°C during the day, we recommend taking the WormUp HOME inside and using it as an indoor composter if you are not already doing this all year round. As a reminder, the WormUp HOME and the worms are not freezeproof.
The worm composter comes into the apartment from outside:
House worms happily composting and composting the usual amounts all winter long - a dream! There are a few things to keep in mind.
The transfer from the cool balcony to the warm living room or just to a moderately warm basement can trigger a short-term boost in microorganisms. It is important that there is not too much feed in the composter at this moment, at most a layer of 2-3 cm of fresh material. If the composter is excessively damp or even “slippery”, give the microorganisms “harder” things to bite to regulate decomposition. Lots of cardboard or paper, as well as woody plant stems are good materials for this. Make sure there is enough oxygen in the composter by gently loosening it. Sometimes it can also be that small mosquitoes inhabit the HOME. It's not that noticeable outside, but very much inside. Fungus gnats or dung gnats are usually a sign that the composter is out of balance. You can easily prevent this by spreading a generous layer of Mineral Mix on the top surface as soon as the HOME is inside. You can find more measures here .
The worm composter is already inside:
If your WormUp HOME is indoors and you turn on the heating, the warm, dry air can cause the composter to dry out more quickly. Therefore, check regularly whether the moisture is sufficient. This also on the lower floors. Spray water on surfaces as needed.
The worm composter stays outside in winter:
The composter should be in a frost-free room at the latest when the first frosts begin. The easiest in the apartment, hallway, basement, garage, or similar. If he does stand outside one or the other freezing cold night, be sure to check if the worms are doing well. As a reminder: The WormUp HOME and the worms are not "frost-proof". The clay can jump in frost due to its breathability. The worms will freeze to death if the mass in the composter turns to ice. Cold temperatures don't bother them as long as there is no frost.
If you want to leave the composter outside, measures similar to those for plants that are not winter-hardy are conceivable. Isolate, for example with sheep's wool or coconut mats and place in a sheltered place. This without guarantee. It is important that your mini ecosystem does not freeze through. Make sure that your insulation still allows enough air circulation. Check on your worms from time to time. Since the microorganisms don't do much activity below 10°C and the worms are sluggish, they only need very little food. Make sure that a thick layer of food does not accumulate.
