Feed your worms right: the ultimate worm farm feed for composting

Understand your worms

Technically, worms don’t actually eat the food you give them — they eat the micro-organisms that break down that food! That’s why they always go for the rotten bits first. For example, if you’ve got an apple with a spot on it, don’t just chuck it in whole. Cut it up so the air and microorganisms can start breaking it down — then the worms will take care of it. Once it starts to decay, it will attract the worms.

Keep this in mind: the smaller the pieces of food waste, the larger the surface area for microbes and oxygen to do their thing. Plus, worms have tiny mouths. And just like us, they need balance and variety in their diet!

Fun fact: worms work 10x faster than traditional composting!


Why feed your worms in your worm farm properly?

If you want your worm farm to thrive, it's all about feeding your worms the right stuff. Compost worms like red wigglers and tiger worms are brilliant little workers when it comes to turning your food waste into rich, garden-boosting worm castings. But like any living creatures, they’ve got preferences — and a bit of TLC goes a long way.

This guide will walk you through everything from worm food to worm bin bedding, so you can confidently manage your compost and keep your worms happy and well-fed. Let’s get into it! 


What types of food do compost worms and red wigglers eat?

When it’s time to feed the worms, think: fresh, organic, and balanced. Worms will eat most soft plant-based food scraps, but there are definitely some favourites.


Best worm food and food scraps for compost worms

Here’s what worms love to munch on:

  • Fruit and veggies

  • Leafy greens and leaves (e.g. wattle leaves)

  • Soft rinds from pumpkin or melons (cut into small pieces)

  • Coffee grounds (a sprinkle, not a flood)

  • Tea bags (as long as there’s no plastic)

  • Crushed eggshells (great for their digestion)

  • Bread (just a little, and not mouldy)

  • Cut grass

  • Straw


Food waste and worm food to avoid in your worm bin

These should not go into your worm bin at all:

  • Processed or salty foods (processed foods aren't great for us – nor for worms! Made sure to feed your worms the good stuff ;))

  • Contaminated organic waste. Peels with stickers, glues, or even plate scrapings from Christmas dinners (thinking bon bon's and party hats here) can be a no-go. If your guests can't follow the worm rules, it’s better to avoid the contaminants altogether!


Food waste to only put in your worm bin if you feel confident about feeding your worms and reacting to their needs

These can cause drama in the worm bin if not done cautiously:

  • Meat, bones, and dairy – These can smell and attract pests, but worms love working their way through this stuff. (They’re not even remotely vegetarian!)

  • Oils and fats – A dribble here or there is fine, as is a bit of yoghurt or ricotta cheese.

  • Onions and garlic – These have a strong smell that repels worms, but once they break down, the worms will dig in.

  • Loads of citrus peels – Very acidic. Be sensible, don’t overload your worms with citrus. Like onions and garlic, citrus needs to be quite rotten before the worms will eat it.


How much to feed my worms and how worms eat

Wondering how much to feed? As a guide, worms can eat about half their body weight in food per day. So if you’ve got 500g of worms, aim to give them around 250g of food scraps daily.

If your worm farm is just getting started, go slow. Let the worms settle in and build up their appetite. If food is still sitting there after a few days, cut back a bit.


Create a balanced diet: worm bin bedding and compost worm food

Worms don’t just need food — they also need comfy bedding. Bedding materials help soak up extra moisture, keep the airflow going, and balance out the nitrogen-rich food scraps. Balance your carbon and nitrogen — in worm farming, the ratio is 1:1.


Best worm bin bedding for red wigglers and compost worms

Mix and match these to keep your worm farm in top shape:

  • Shredded cardboard (no glossy print)

  • Egg cartons (torn up works great)

  • Newspaper (stick to black and white)

  • Crunchy autumn leaves

  • Aged cow or horse manure

  • Coconut coir

A good rule? Go for a 50/50 mix of carbon-rich bedding (see above list) and food waste which is nitrogen-rich. This keeps things smelling nice and gives your worms everything they need.


Shred worm food for better compost and worm feeding

Pro tip: shred your worm food. The smaller the pieces, the quicker everything breaks down. Think of it as making a salad for your worms — the finer the chop, the faster they’ll eat it.

Worms don’t have teeth, so give them a hand by breaking things up. It speeds up composting and keeps your worm bin tidy.


Troubleshooting common worm farm and compost bin problems

Fruit flies in the worm bin

Got fruit flies? You’re not alone. Try burying food scraps under a layer of bedding and top with shredded cardboard or newspaper. Don’t overload the bin and pull out any scraps that look like they’re turning.

Smells in the worm bin or hungry bin

That earthy smell is a good sign. But if it starts to stink? Something’s off. Usually, it means you’ve fed too much or there’s not enough air. Stir things around, add some dry bedding, and ease up on feeding for a few days.

Escaping worms in the worm farm

Worms on the run? They’re probably trying to tell you something. Check the bin’s moisture — it should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too wet, too dry, or too acidic, they’ll head for the exits.


The power of worm castings: how to harvest finished compost

When your worms are done, what’s left behind is pure gold — worm castings. This stuff is packed with goodness for your garden. But don’t forget: it’s a very concentrated fertiliser, so go easy!

Here’s how to harvest it:

  1. Push the food to one side of the bin.

  2. Wait a week — the worms will follow the food.

  3. Scoop out the finished compost from the other side.

  4. Top up with fresh bedding and keep the cycle going.


Using manure as worm food in your worm farm

Yep, worms will eat manure — but make sure it’s the right kind. Stick to aged manure from herbivores like cows and horses. It’s packed with nutrients and works as bedding too. 


Building the best worm bin or hungry bin for compost worms

Whether you're going DIY or buying a fancy hungry bin, a good setup will make worm life (and your life) easier. Here’s what to look for:

  • Good drainage (no one likes a soggy bottom)

  • Airflow to stop things going smelly

  • Darkness — worms like to keep things low-key

  • A tight lid to keep out flies and curious pets

Place your worm bin somewhere cool and shaded, like a laundry, shed, or under a veranda. Too much sun or cold can stress the worms.


What worms like and what to feed in small amounts

Some foods are OK in small amounts but can cause issues if you go overboard. Treat these like occasional snacks:

  • Citrus fruits

  • Onions and garlic

  • Bread and pasta

  • Coffee grounds (acidity can build up)

  • Cooked starchy bits (like rice or potato)

If in doubt, introduce slowly and watch how your worms react.


Worm feeding tips for all seasons

Worms like it comfy — between 15°C and 25°C is their happy zone. In winter, you might need to wrap or insulate the bin. In summer, keep it shady and moist. And always make sure there’s enough bedding to balance things out.


Final worm composting tips to maximise success

  • Feed regularly, but don’t overdo it

  • Move food around so all worms get a turn

  • Add crushed eggshells for extra grit and balance

  • Watch moisture — adjust with bedding or water as needed

  • Harvest compost every couple of months to keep things fresh


Conclusion: feed your worms and master worm composting

Feeding your worms right is the key to healthy composting. With a bit of know-how and some regular TLC, your worm farm will transform food waste into beautiful, crumbly compost.