Comments on: Best Time For Worm Bed Construction http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/best-time-for-worm-bed-construction/ Red Wiggler Worms, European Nightcrawlers and loads of helpful Worm Composting Information Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:17:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Bentley http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/best-time-for-worm-bed-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-17880 Bentley Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:27:48 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=276#comment-17880 Hi Len, We recently did talk about wood chips, but it was in the comments section of an older post (so no wonder you missed it!). Wood waste unfortunately tends to be very resistant to breakdown, thus not offering much in the way of nutrition for worms. It also doesn't absorb water the way cardboard, coir etc do so it's not a great bedding. That being said, if you are able to "compost it down", why not just use the partially composted material as a bedding - that could work a lot better. Definitely stay away from the cedar - the oils can harm your worms. Similar woods should be treated with caution, although pine should be ok (I've had bins made of pine with no issues). Hope this helps. I'd love to hear how it works out for you! 8) Hi Len,
We recently did talk about wood chips, but it was in the comments section of an older post (so no wonder you missed it!).
Wood waste unfortunately tends to be very resistant to breakdown, thus not offering much in the way of nutrition for worms. It also doesn’t absorb water the way cardboard, coir etc do so it’s not a great bedding. That being said, if you are able to “compost it down”, why not just use the partially composted material as a bedding – that could work a lot better.
Definitely stay away from the cedar – the oils can harm your worms. Similar woods should be treated with caution, although pine should be ok (I’ve had bins made of pine with no issues).

Hope this helps. I’d love to hear how it works out for you!
8)

]]> By: Len http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/best-time-for-worm-bed-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-17749 Len Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:06:21 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=276#comment-17749 Hi Bentley, Terrific website, more information that I have found anywhere else. Yet, I still have a question that I haven't seen addressed anywhere... Regarding bedding material, I know that you are partial to cardboard, and use newspaper and coconut coir, other sites mention leaves too, but I've never seen mention of sawdust or wood shavings from woodworking waste. I'm a woodworking hobbiest (along with gardening and composting) and have much wood waste that composts down just fine but since I've been (bitten) by the vermicompost bug was wondering about the sawdust and shavings as a bedding material. I use mostly pine, oak and a little cedar, if it is ok to use it as bedding, is there a type of wood that would be detrimental to the worms? Thanks in advance for an answer, and again, great website. Len Hi Bentley,
Terrific website, more information that I have found anywhere else. Yet, I still have a question that I haven’t seen addressed anywhere…
Regarding bedding material, I know that you are partial to cardboard, and use newspaper and coconut coir, other sites mention leaves too, but I’ve never seen mention of sawdust or wood shavings from woodworking waste. I’m a woodworking hobbiest (along with gardening and composting) and have much wood waste that composts down just fine but since I’ve been (bitten) by the vermicompost bug was wondering about the sawdust and shavings as a bedding material. I use mostly pine, oak and a little cedar, if it is ok to use it as bedding, is there a type of wood that would be detrimental to the worms?
Thanks in advance for an answer, and again, great website.

Len

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