I’ve got a question and this might be the most relevant post to ask? (Maybe).

I read that worms need some airflow, oxygen, aeration, etc. I’ve got the 7 gallon black plastic tubs / yellow lids. I perhaps didn’t drill enough holes. The bin is moist and pretty happy. Whenever I put in leftover Napa Cabbage leaves, the mites get reeeally happy too. I tried to be chill about it, but as you point out, too many mites might mean sub-optimal worm conditions. So one thing I’ve been doing is taking my small bin outside when the sun is out, and opening the lid for full air.

Here’s the thing. I loooove getting my hands in there, and digging around, and seeing what’s up with the wormies. It’s interesting how warm it is in the middle of the bin. But I also know that you’ve said not to disturb the worms too much and they’d be happier and more productively munching on food if left alone.

I know that it’s okay to occasionally go through and toss the bin a little bit for air. And might be good for lessening the mite population. Where does the line cross from “annoying” the worms to “disturbing / stressing” the worms? I’d say my usual may be twice, one week. And then get bored for 3 weeks and leave them alone. Then back and feed them and check them several times over the next couple of weeks.

“ability with tolerate a broad range of temperature extremes compared to other worms. Typically Euros do best in temperatures between 60 F and 70 F (15 C – 21 c) and can withstand temperatures from about 45 F to 80 F (7 c – 26). When it gets below 45 F ENCs need to be protected from the cold. It’s a bit riskier to keep ENCs in outdoors in the winter as they are more cold sensitive than red worms. If you can maintain the Euros beds above 45 F give it a try. However if you can move them indoors or to the basement start there.

Euros also need protection from the heat. They will naturally borrow deeper into their beds when they get warm, or worse will try to escape the bin. Keep the beds under 80 F through the use of shade, careful watering, or experimenting with putting jugs of ice cold water buried in the bedding. If your worm farm is small consider moving them into the basement”

How would this work in Maryland? Is there any special care required summer verses winter care? I am in zone 7a on the map = 10°-5°F in winter and about
80-90°F summer. Any tips?
Thank-you, Mrs. Friend

Also, I’ll need to add at least a second tumbler or pile as a transfer station while waiting for everything in the first tumbler to get eaten/decomposed.

I am enthusiatically looking forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely, Your fellow gardening friend.

Yeah the problem is overheating. otherwise fine.

Have never figured out how to reduce the moisture but worms never minded. Is that the anerobic muck? Why is that bad? Smells ok.

Had an unusual heatwave in the 90’s and I screwed up and did not move the bin under trees and shield with large umbrella. First my young granddaughter asked today when she got off the plane was “how are the worms?” Will have to explain they took a vacation 🙁