Feeding and Maintaining Nightcrawlers

Feeding and Maintaining Nightcrawlers

1. What to Feed Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers thrive on organic matter, but they need a balanced diet. Here’s what to give them:

✅ Best Foods:

• Vegetable scraps (lettuce, carrots, potatoes, squash)
• Fruit scraps (banana peels, apple cores – in moderation)
• Coffee grounds & filters (boosts microbial activity)
• Crushed eggshells (helps neutralize pH and provides calcium)
• Oatmeal, cornmeal, or soaked bread (as an occasional treat)

🚫 Avoid:

• Citrus & acidic foods (oranges, tomatoes, pineapple – too acidic)
• Onions & garlic (can be toxic)
• Dairy & meats (rots too fast, attracts pests)
• Greasy or salty foods (bad for their digestive system)

2. Feeding Tips

• Chop food into small pieces to speed up decomposition.
• Bury food scraps slightly in the bedding to prevent fruit flies.
• Feed in moderation—only add more food when the previous batch is mostly consumed.
• Rotate feeding spots to distribute nutrients evenly.

3. Maintaining Their Environment

✅ Moisture: Bedding should be damp like a wrung-out sponge—mist with water if it gets dry.
✅ Aeration: Gently fluff the bedding weekly to prevent compacting.
✅ Temperature: Keep between 55–77°F (13–25°C)—too hot or too cold can slow down activity.
✅ pH Balance: If bedding gets too acidic (worms trying to escape), add crushed eggshells or lime.
✅ Harvesting Castings: Every 2–3 months, remove some of the worm castings (worm poop) and refresh bedding.