Hey MP,

You can add worms to outdoor compost piles. Whether or not they stay will be determined by whether or not the conditions in the compost is to their liking or not. They can definately survive on leaves mixed with grass clippings. And, they will find the food if you add it to the compost.

That said, there are some things to consider when putting the worms into a compost pile.

First, having your worms in an outdoor compost pile makes it easy for birds and other worm connoisseurs to get to them... unless you make it "critter proof."

Next, when you add things to the compost pile, make sure it is done in such a manner that the pile doesn't get too hot and cook the worms. Make sure they have an area of the pile to get into and get away from the heat.

Next, adding food to the compost IS GOING TOO draw other critters. I simply have not been able to find a way around this without having it in a container that is sealed. Even then, some varmits have a nose that can sniff out those tasty, rotting food morsels.

Finally, will the compost pile offer enough protection to keep the worms from freezing in the winter? If not, something will have to be done to protect them.

As for your question about the possibility of the pile getting too damp for the worms, I am sure it is possible... especially if you have several days of torrential downpours. And, even if that happens, you would be surprised how much moisture worms can tolerate provided they have a good air flow.

I hope this helps. And, maybe someone else will come in with more suggestions.

Good luck,
Robert

Robert, Thanks! The pile is mostly cool. There are a few warm spots but mostly it is leaves and therefor cool.

I don't think freezing is a problem. It rarely makes it into the mid 20's here and the size of the pile should ward off freeze IMO. I'm also not too worried about the worms escaping because I have no worms so they must not like this soil to well. Do they live in sandy soil?

As far as birds, again I hope the size of the pile will fix that. The birds can have some. "Coons may be a broblem though. The fence will keep armadillos out. I've also been thinking of a cover to keep too much rain out. Maybe that will help too.

Thanks again.

Hey MP,

Worms can not live in pure sand. However, they can live in sandy soil if there is sufficient organic matter for them to eat. Pure sand does not contain such matter and changes temps and moisture levels too quick for them.

I just went back and re-read your original post. And, I noticed that you said the bin is 14 feet in diameter. When I read it last night, I thought you said the bin was 14 inches in diameter! I wondered how you got so many leaves in such a small bin! :>D But, my tired mind dismissed it.

I'm sure the birds will do some scratching around in the bin. But, I don't think they will get many of your worms! The main time that I can think of when the worms will be "exposed" to the birds is when you "stir" things up. The birds will soon learn that there is an easy meal right after you have been to the bin. And, they will quickly swoop in to grab what they can. But, since worms don't like to be exposed to the light, most of them should quickly scurry back under the covers!

Good luck to you,
Robert