Better Vermicomposting - With Isopods
Overview
Virtually everyone involved in worm composting (or really, composting in general) is at least vaguely familiar with isopods. They tend to be fairly common in composting systems, especially outdoors, yet they are often mostly ignored, or worse, viewed with disdain. What many (if not most) people don't realize is that they can be powerful composting allies, especially when you make a real effort to cater to their needs and preferences!
I created this page to shed some light on the topic of working with isopods to improve your worm composting efforts!
Quick Facts
Although often referred to as "bugs", isopods are actually crustaceans (Class Malacostraca), much more closely related to crabs and lobsters than to insects!
There are about 10,000 known species worldwide, but approximately half of those live in aquatic environments.
On land, they play an important role in the breakdown of organic matter, especially tougher, high C:N "browns".
Isopods are a popular "clean up crew" organism for those who keep terrariums/vivariums - and a popular live food organism for reptiles/amphibians/bird keepers (among others).
Unlike composting worms, isopods don't deposit eggs/cocoons. They carry their fertilized eggs in a brood pouch ("marsupium") where they develop and are eventually release as miniature versions of the adults.
Some species are able to reproduce via parthenogenisis - an asexual form of reproduction that can result in even more rapid population growth.
This cute fella is known as a "Dairy Cow" isopod (a popular variant of Porcellio laevis)
Vermicomposting - the "Normal" Way
One of the most common ways people jump into the (wonderful) world of worm composting is by starting up some form of "worm bin". Very often, these are fairly small in size and made of plastic.
These bins tend to retain moisture really well and have somewhat limited airflow. On the positive side, when well-managed, the worms tend to do just fine and you can end up with some fairly decent vermicompost.
The problem, though, is that they are often overfed with water-rich food scraps, and they end up swampy, and overrun with less desireable organisms like fruit flies and mites. This not only reduces the enjoyment of the process, but it slows everything down and often results in a very inferior end product.
There are of course plenty of ways to improve your vermicomposting! I've been preaching about the value of excellent aeration, using more natural (including "living") materials, and opting for less-fancy - yet, ironically, often more effective - systems.
But, my deep dive into the world of isopods has revealed an entirely new perspective on "optimized vermicomposting"!
A Reese Peanut Butter Cup Connection?
For decades I've been immersed in this weird and wacky world of worm composting, where amazing people are doing all sorts of fun and interesting things with worms (and I like to think I've been one of them).
What I didn't really realize (until recently) is that there is this whole entire "other world" of people interested in keeping isopods - as pets, to sell for profit, as "clean up crew" organisms in terrestrial tanks...you name it.
In a lot of ways - on average - these two worlds are pretty clueless about one another! A lot of isopod people are pretty clueless about how composting worms can benefit what they are doing. A lot of worm people are similarly clueless about the full potential of what isopods can do for them.
Seeing all the potential from both sides, I was reminded of a cheesy commercial from my childhood!
Yep, I am in fact that old! lol
What Isopods Can Do For Worms
Mix, fragment, aerate the habitat.
Deposit their own "wastes" that can serve as a food source.
Take care of tougher "browns" the worms aren't really designed to process, along with other materials worms can't do much with.
They can work in much drier conditions than the worms are capable of (meaning that even drier materials can end up getting processed)
Just generally, the preferences and requirements of isopods can also improve the vermicomposting process. You are using a system with (usually) much better airflow, a wider diversity of natural materials, additional calcium/mineral supplementation, reduced load of food wastes, far less chance of anaerobic conditions.
This is still speculation, but my hunch is that combining isopods and worms in an intentional way can lead to a higher quality end product. Apart from the more optimized (for effective vermicast production) conditions, you've got a wider diversity of feedstock, thus more than likely a wider diversity of microbes and beneficial compounds in the final product.
What Worms Can Do For Isopods
Take care of waste materials (preventing build-up and toxic conditions)
Provide the isopods with a rich "bio-active" (full of life) habitat and food source (a lot of isopod keepers actually buy castings to add to their systems).
Help them process water- and nutrient-rich waste materials more easily (less chance they will rot and cause issues).
Help to ensure that there will always be a damp zone (and adequate humidity) in the system.
In a lot of ways the worms can serve as a sort of "clean-up crew" for the isopods! For actual isopods keepers, this can help to extend the life of their systems (i.e. amount of time before a system reset is needed) quite a bit.
The Isopod Success Playbook
My early successes with isopods came about "accidentally" for the most part. I had some very neglected worm bins that had been loaded up with fall leaves just for the sake of giving the worms something to feed on over time. The bins were sitting in a warm location, mostly undisturbed for weeks on end.
It wasn't until more recently - when I finally did a deep dive into the isopod keeping hobby (yep, this is actually a thing) - that I got a good handle on the full range of factors that can play a key role in isopod success.
Excellent Airflow - I always recommend really good airflow for successful vermicomposting, but for isopods this is a factor that's even more important. Although you won't like see this recommended in the isopod keeping world, I suggest keeping them in lidless systems (loose covers can still be valuable; and this assumes you aren't working with a talented climbing species). If you are using fully enclosed bins, it's best to use actual vents (not just small holes).
Lots of Natural "Browns" - Isopods absolutely love dead (brown) leaves, and various woody materials such as dead tree bark (with lichen on it - even better). The same sort of stuff you find on a forest floor. More-processed "browns" like corrugated cardboard and (ideally, brown) paper should get processed over time, but they tend to wait until they've aged quite a bit (likely when they've become colonized by microbes).
Dry Zones / Damp Zones / Humidty - Isopods can seem like little divas when it comes to their moisture preferences - and this is likely one of the big factors that results in limited success for a lot of people. You need to provide a high-humidity environment overall, but there (usually) needs to be distinctly dry (by vermicomposting standards), and distinctly damp areas available to them. The good news is that it sounds a lot more complicated than it really is!
Warmth - One of my early surprises was seeing just how well isopods thrive in really warm systems. All my life I've associated them with cool-ish environments - under logs, in the bottom of leaf piles etc. For most common, temperate varieties this really just translates into keeping them in the same optimal range as for composting worms (20-30 C / 68-86 F ish). Like worms, many of the ones I recommend working with do just fine when temps are somewhat cooler as well (so don't worry too much about getting this exactly right).
Calcium Source - Isopods have a pretty substantial exoskeleton to maintain (some varieties more than others), and calcium plays an important role in that. My hunch is that low calcium levels in a system is another very common reason for isopods not really becoming super abundant.
Protein Source - This one was a big surprise for me. I've always thought of isopods as being exclusively consumers of dead plant matter - but they actually do need protein-rich foods (to reach their maximum potential) as well. While you can add various forms of meat protein (in moderation), the good news is that plant-based protein sources like legumes are well-received as well.
Places to Hide - This one goes hand in hand with the "lots of natural 'browns'" recommendation. Apart from things like leaf litter that they can actively feed on, it is highly valuable to include some bigger, bulkier, more solid "browns" that the isopods can actually hide under as well. Prime examples include chunks of wood (ideally older, semi rotten stuff), dead bark (this is amazing), even things like avacado rinds and coconut shells. Make no mistake, they will gnaw on these and break them totally down over time (effectively "eating themselves out of house and home"! lol)
A Certain Amount of Neglect - Similar to composting worms (but likely even more so), isopods are at their best when you mostly leave them alone. Don't let this discourage you, though. Similar to Red Worms, there are definitely common varieties that are pretty tolerant of being disturbed a fair amount.
Selling Starter Cultures (AKA "Worm Mix")
Near the end of my second season (back in 2009) - after nearly driving myself into the ground trying to run a small worm business the "normal" way - I hit on the idea of selling Red Worm starter cultures - what I refer to as "Worm Mix" - instead.
It was a total game-changer!
I was able to provide customers with a much more natural product that was fantastic for starting up a home worm bin, and it cost them less money!
Isopods + Composting Worms for the WIN!
How The Customer Wins
- Easier Start-Up - All they have to do is add the Worm Mix to their bin along with some bedding and a little food, and away they go!
- Fewer Headaches - Worm Mix is like a self-contained vermicomposting ecosystem that's ready to go. The worms need less time to adjust to their new environment, and it is much less likely that other common new-bin-hassles will crop up.
- Faster Population Growth - More natural densities of worms (of all ages) + cocoons means much greater chance of a population explosion in the new system.
- Less Expensive - A Worm Mix will often be less expensive than buying a pound (or more) of worms, encouraging even more people to give worm composting a try!
How The Worm Farmer Wins
- Easier Production - The "Worm Mix Batch" approach is much more of a set-it-and-forget-it worm farming strategy, freeing up a lot more of your time! With the right containers it can also take up relatively little space.
- Less Expense & Risk - You don't need huge quantities of worms or fancy foods and specialized equipmet to get started. Large die-offs, and financial loss in general, are far less likely.
- Far Fewer Hassles - Since it is much more of a natural, hands-off approach, there are fewer pest issues, worm health concerns, or customer issues to contend with. Worm Mix also ships like a dream!
- More Profitable - When less of your time and money are required, the profit margins will just tend to be higher!
How The Worms Win
- Less Crowding - Worm densities end up much closer to "productive natural" levels, and the worms aren't forced into sterile bedding materials prior to sale.
- Less Handling - There is no machine harvesting needed (or much harvesting in general), so less chance the worms will be harmed.
- Less New-System-Stress - The worms bring their "home" with them so it is much easier to adjust to their new system, even when customers make mistakes.
Worm Mix starter cultures offer the perfect little foot-in-the-door start-up model or add-on strategy for anyone interested in earning with worms!
Getting Started With Worm Mix
As simple, and even "easy" as the Worm Mix concept is, there are a lot of nuances and plenty of pitfalls for anyone attempting this approach.
If you are assuming this is just about tossing some wormy material in a bag, handing it over to the customer and calling it a day, you're dead wrong!
Over the course of nearly 15 years of selling Worm Mix, I've continued to refine my own methods - most recently coming up with my "Worm Mix Batch" approach - and I've watched as various others have attempted their own versions and failed (sometimes pretty miserably).
I decided it was time to put together an educational package that not only teaches my most up-to-date methods, but one that also offers a solid education in another critical area - sales & marketing!
Introducing...
What You Get:
CWI Course - A multi-module, multi-media deep dive into this topic.
CWI Written Guide - A ___ page downloadable PDF with all the key information you need.
CWI E-Mail List - Learn about important concepts and ideas via e-mail lessons, and stay in the loop about any news/updates relating to the package.
Helpful Resources Library - Additional guides that will help you master the fundamentals.
Done-For-You Educational Series - I've created a Worm Mix educational series you can use freely. It's perfect as an add-on bonus for those who purchase your starter cultures.
Red Worm Population Growth Estimator - I created this tool to help me predict how fast my worm populations will grow. (Includes training)
Suburban Worm Farmer Vault - SWF was my original Worm Mix training course and I'm including all the relevant audio lessons for EWF members.
Web Business Training Resources - Building an online presence is often one of the major challenges of new worm farmers. I've included mini-courses focused on website and e-mail list building, along with other helpful training (and more on the way).
BONUS SECTION - The business of isopods.
Unlimited Support & All Future Add-Ons - I'm always available to assist my students in any way I can (ask as many questions as you like), and always include future updates and add-ons at no additional charge.
So, How Much Does it Cost?
Only $27
I want to make this package - and the Worm Mix Batch concept - as accessible to as many people as I possible can. Even if you only apply a small amount of what you learn, you should be able to easily earn back your small investment!
(A secure checkout will open in a new window)
My "30+60" Iron-Clad Guarantee
Let me make this even more of a no-brainer. I stand behind ALL my educational products – and want to see my customers actually succeed! I’m giving you a full 30 days just for your initial evaluation of Easy Worm Farming.
Feel free to pepper me with any and all questions you have, and I am more than happy to do what I can to help you get the ball rolling with your own Worm Mix production.
After that, you still have a ANOTHER 60 DAYS to decide if Easy Worm Farming is for you (and of course you can continue to get all the support you need)! Yep, that's a total of 90 days.
What Others Have Said About My Work
"I’ve purchased several of Bentley’s courses over the years (along with most of the offerings available from others) and continue to be impressed with both the content and the value that he offers. Bentley’s love for all things worm is apparent in everything he produces.."
~ Ben R. - Lyons CO
"I’ve done a few classes with Bentley. I find they have all proven to be highly valuable information, that leaves me with a thirst for knowledge. His natural “worm mix” approach to vermiculture just makes sense. Providing the worms what they need in the most natural way. Bentley is an amazing teacher, extremely patient, and a humble guy. He’s extremely easy to approach with any and all questions ( mine might have been a little excessive 🤣). He never made me feel like I was bothering him, a true teacher. He provides a rich array of materials in various formats to accommodate any type of learner, which makes his teaching style right up my alley. I would highly recommend any and all of his courses and learning materials."
~ Kelly E. - Ottawa, CANADA
"I think I have been in at or near the ground level of most of your major projects over the years and that is because you have great ideas and I believe in you and the things you are working to accomplish. You have had an enormous impact on the world of vermiculture and inspired many people, my friend."
~ Trent H.
"I have embraced your worm mix concept as the best method to get people involved and have them be successful with worms both as a composting method for their food scraps and a source of casting for all their plants. When you sell them a worm kit as I do, with a plastic tub filled with mature worms, juveniles and cocoons along with all the rich living material they have been raised in, you start a conversation explaining the benefits of purchasing a complete worm mix and can lead them to the resources they need to accomplish the goals that they have in mind. Along with the material to succeed you give them the knowledge to succeed.
I really appreciate all the information that you have shared about your experiences and results of your various methods of raising worms.The knowledge I have gained has been a major factor in the way I have structured my business model and one of the reasons I have been so pleased with my progress in the worm business. I cannot thank you enough and look forward to your continued educational contributions."
~ Frank Dean - Cortez CO - 4 Corner Worm Farm
FAQ
Worm Mix, as I define it, is a vermicomposting starter culture that contains loads of worms (of all ages & sizes), usually lots of cocoons, and an entire ecosystem of other beneficial organism - all contained in a generous amount of rich, living habitat material. It offers a fantastic way to start up a brand new vermicomposting system.
The costs involved in getting started with the Worm Mix (Batch) approach will vary based on what type of bins you decide to use, how many you start with, and whether or not you already have your own worm population to draw from. If you do have worms and will just start with a handful of bins you should be able to get started for $50 or less. If you want to get more serious and/or you are starting completely from scratch, your costs will go up from there. What’s great is that once the bins are paid for, the ongoing costs should be quite low (and Worm Mix sales will obviously offset those).
If you went with a very modest 7 bins/week set up schedule, and sold batches of Worm Mix for $30 each (how much you charge will depend on multiple factors but this is a reasonable estimate) you could potentially earn as much as $840/mo. 14 bins/week – $1680/mo. NOTE: using the bins I recommend, the total number of bins required at the 14 bin/week level should only take up about 27 sq ft of floor space. These might not seem earth-shattering income numbers – but keep in mind there is plenty of potential for ramping things up further, and of course diversifying your product line-up over time!
Worm Mix production times can depend of the type of Worm Mix you are producing, the materials you are using (and how you set things up), and of course ambient conditions. There are hybrid approaches that can be as little as 3 to 4 weeks – but my typical recommendation for Worm Mix Batch bins (in climate controlled environment) is 2 to 3 months. With the minimal management required, you will likely be amazed by how quickly that time can pass – and the key idea is to make sure you are regularly setting up new systems so you have a steady, ongoing supply.
Once again, this depends on conditions and various other key factors. Of course, it also depends on the number of worms you start your cultures with. Just to provide some perspective, in terms of what's possible, I concluded a population growth trial in January 2023. I started with 25 adult Red Worms in a system quite similar to my typical Worm Mix Batch bins, and after 11 weeks ended up with at least* 193 adults, 1656 juveniles, and 476 cocoons! With Worm Mix production I recommend starting with more than 25 worms - and even if you only ended up with a fraction of that sort of productivity, you can see how easy it is to end up with a very rich culture of worms! *I say "at least" because that's as far as I got with the counting - I know for sure there were many more juveniles and cocoons hidden in the habitat material.
Outdoor Worm Mix Production is absolutely possible (that’s how I did it for years), but the Worm Mix Batch approach is intended as an indoor strategy. Your results will be far more consistent and predictable in a climate-controlled environment. Which leads us to the next question…
Using the bins I recommend, and a 14 bin/week set-up schedule (mentioned earlier), the total amount of floor space needed should be less than 30 sq ft. In other words, you likely wouldn’t even need to dedicate an entire room to your little operation. Other types of bins will likely use up more space, but you should still be able to keep things manageable. A basement can be a good option, as long as it doesn’t get too cool in the winter.
The Worm Mix Batch approach is strictly intended as a starter culture production method. Any castings produced get passed along to your customer as part of the rich, habitat material. This is actually an amazing, somewhat-under-the-radar benefit of a Worm Mix. Your customers will likely be able to perform their first castings harvest a lot sooner than if they had just started their system with typical bulk worms!
The idea that you need at least a pound of worms to start a worm bin is a widely-shared MYTH! (The conspiracy-theorist in me thinks it was started by worm farmers wanting to sell more worms - lol) In fact, I would argue - and have seen plenty of proof - that the absolute best way to stock a new system is actually with worm-rich material from another system, not bulk worms in sterile bedding! The worms will settle into their new system much more easily and will be ideally positioned for a rapid population explosion, not the usual early die-back you often see with stressed out bulk worms.
Immediately after joining you should be taken to a thank-you page, and you should receive several important e-mails: 1) An order receipt, 2) An e-mail re: how to access the CG Portal member area (where you can access Easy Worm Farming), and 3) A welcome e-mail from the EWF e-mail list. If you encounter any problems, or have any questions, please let me know and I will be happy to help!
Just in Case You Don't Know Me From Adam ;-)
My name is Bentley "Compost Guy" Christie and I've been educating countless people about vermicomposting and vermiculture for well over 15 years. The "Worm Mix" concept literally saved my own small worm biz back in 2009 - and I'm confident it can be a game changer for you as well!
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