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I just got yesterday my worm compost and I am so happy about that. My question is what are the foods that I should and shouldn't put in my vermicompost?

I've done my research and in general they say that I should put fruits and vegetables and papers, I need to limit citrus, manures should be put if they are not warm, garlics and potatoes can be put but there are chances that it will grow roots.

Bonus point: I am willing to give +50 points to anyone who can give me a printer friendly version of should and shouldn't put in my vermicompost, I will post this in our house. This way all of us can be informed and be reminded of what should we dispose in our garbage and what should be put in my vermicompost.

Edit: I am using ANC (African Nightcrawler)

Cary Bondoc
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2 Answers2

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You can print out page 9 of this pdf http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/23949/em9034.pdf and stick it near your bin. Just a list alone is not so useful as it won't give the reasons.

Food that is okay.

Fruit and vegetable scraps and peels. Potatoes
peels are okay, but worms tend to avoid them
(figure 14).
• Eggshells or other source of grit (see page 8).
These should be ground or pulverized.
• Coffee grounds, filters, and tea bags with
staples removed. You can mix them into the
worm bin at any time.
• Plain cereal, bread, and pasta. Use small
amounts only, as they tend to clump up. Be
sure to wet them first.
• Dryer lint (natural fibers only, such as cotton,
linen, or wool). Lint provides the “fabric” for
air circulation.

Food items that are NOT acceptable

Though your worms will eat just about any
organic matter, some types of food may entice
undesirable insects and animals to live in the
worm bin, too. The foods in the list below are not
appropriate to feed the worms because they attract
pests, can be toxic to worms, or create unpleasant
odors.
• Meat, poultry, or fish (bones, skin, or
drippings). These develop odors and easily
attract other pests.
• Oils (such as butter, salad dressing, or
mayonnaise). These smother worms (they
breathe through their skin).
• Dairy products. These products may cause
anaerobic conditions and odors.
• Highly acidic or spicy foods, such as citrus
(especially peels) or onions. These may
produce acidic conditions and may be toxic to
worms.
• Pet feces. Feces can contain large quantities of
pests that are not beneficial to worms or to the
final compost product.
The guideline for vermicomposting is: When in
doubt, leave it out
Graham Chiu
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0

Some cardboard is a good idea if the bin tends to run wet (I have to cover some of the air holes in mine in the winter). Or indeed damp cardboard can keep it from drying out in the summer. Pizza boxes are a good source if they can't be recycled in your area due to food contamination. Some manufacturers do suggest cooked meat is OK, I don't put it in deliberately but don't worry too much if plate scrapings might have contacted cooked meat. A small amount of dairy seems to be OK, e.g. scrapings of macaroni cheese.

I mainly put cooked food in mine as I have compost bins for the raw stuff+coffee/tea waste. And they seem to like bread, even quite mouldy.

Chris H
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