How to Keep a Worm Farm in Winter

Vermicomposting is the process of using worms to turn vegetable and fruit scraps into compost. You can use this compost as a potting soil or a soil amendment for your garden. A worm farm doesn't have to take up a lot of space, making it an option for people who live in apartments or who don't have enough space for a compost heap in the backyard. With some planning, you can keep your worm farm year-round, even if you don't have space for it indoors.

Things You'll Need

  • Heat lamps or other heat source
  • Straw or leaves
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Move your worm beds to a warmer, well-ventilated area if you can. A garage or basement is an ideal place to keep your worm farm during the winter.

    • 2

      Reduce the amount of fruit and vegetable scraps you feed your worms when the temperature around your worm beds will drop below 50 degrees. Worms slow down and eat less when the temperature is below 60, so uneaten food will build up if you don't reduce feeding amounts.

    • 3

      Supply a heat source such as heat lamps to keep the temperature around the worm beds at least 40 degrees. Freezing temperatures will kill your worms.

    • 4

      Protect your outdoor worm bin by burying it halfway into the ground. Place a heap of straw or leaves over the bin and against the sides to insulate it.

    • 5

      Monitor your worm beds regularly. If you notice the worms congregating in the corners, they need more heat. This grouping is a sign that the worms are preparing to migrate, and if they manage to escape the bin they can die outside it.