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Vermicomposting

Worm Castings Bad for Worms?

19 years ago

In an earlier post by justaguy2 on November 5, 2006, it was stated that it is misinformation to believe that worm castings are bad for worms. From nearly everything I have read in the past, I have had the impression that the buildup of worm castings in a bin will become toxic over time to the worms. Interestingly, though, I have a friend who has 2 larger worm bins (Earth Machine Composters filled with worms) that he very rarely removes the castings from and has the healthiest and most plentiful worms I have ever seen. He has had these bins for years. What is the correct information? Thanks for any input.

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Comments (2)

trancegemini_wa
19 years ago
I can only speak from my experience but in the time Ive had a worm bin I havent harvested the castings, I leave them in the bin and only take some out as I need them so there's always been a high percentage of castings in there. Ive never noticed any problems, the worms are happy and healthy and seem to like it down in the castings where it's always nice and moist

If the worms were unhappy or trying to leave then I would suspect a problem but it's never happened
squeeze
19 years ago
worms will continue to re-digest the castings almost indefinitely as long as it doesn't get too dry - they're pretty inefficient processors and there's a lot of microbial food remaining in castings - castings being "toxic" is definitely mis-information

Bill
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