Composting with Isopods

More on Worm Towers - Apr. 21, 2026

Hello Worm Friends

It has been great reconnecting with subscribers recently. Thanks again to those of you who have been sharing your thoughts, asking questions, or just saying hello!

Last broadcast, we looked at the topic of “Worm Towers”. I shared that I have a much broader definition of the term and that, in fact, I’ve never actually had much faith in the original concept.

One reply that came in made me realize I probably shouldn’t even be using the term “Worm Towers” at all. The word “tower” naturally suggests a structure that extends above ground level. While there are some hybrid in-ground systems (I would happily use) that would technically align with this description, the in-ground bucket/bin systems I regularly recommend aren’t really “towers” at all.

Not only is there no real need for them to be elevated much above soil level, there are actual perks to keeping them deeper (basically so the lid is at or just above soil level). You end up with better protection from the elements, plus it is much easier to keep the systems hidden from view (let’s face it - a bunch of plastic buckets sticking out of the ground might not be the most appealing visual).

Another question on the mind of more than one subscriber related to overwintering. Basically, how protective are these systems and what (if anything) needs to be done at the end of the season in regions with cold winters?

The short answer is that even a fairly small in-ground bucket can offer far more protection than any sort of above-ground bin (especially if you heap on a bunch of bedding materials in the fall).

It is very important to consider how/where the system is being used, though. If it is serving as an in-garden “fertility station”, there’s a good chance it’s going to be pretty run down by the end of the season thanks to all those greedy roots from nearby plants.

My quick and dirty advice relating to this is that unless you reset the bucket in the fall, you will likely be better off simply dumping it into a larger outdoor system (ideally, one with an in-ground zone as well).

As a sidenote, this actually highlights a key part of my overall worm composting philosophy these days. While I always recommend starting small (much better than not starting at all), working towards having an “ecosystem” of different systems operating at the same time can really help to take your worm composting efforts to the next level.

You will almost always have a source of “living material”, you will almost always have some place to put your waste materials, and you will almost always have a place to transfer materials/worms from other systems.

Location is another very important consideration, both in terms of overall viability of this approach as well as overwintering potential.

Sadly, some locations just don’t really work for in-ground vermicomposting (or they are at least much more challenging). Very arid regions, especially with really sandy soils won’t be remotely the same as temperate regions that receive a lot more precipitation. Regions with extremely cold winters (permafrost etc) will be very different than milder regions. Etc

Maybe I’m stating the obvious here - but sometimes it’s important! Lol

For perspective, I live in a region that is in the Zone 5 (ish) range. We get plenty of precipitation (but not excessive - and there can be extended dry spells). My soil is quite dense - plenty of clay, although all my outdoor composting efforts over the years have helped to make it more loamy.

If you live in an extremely rocky region - especially one with only a thin layer of soil - that’s obviously going to create some challenges as well.

One last point before I sign off today…

I referred to Worm Towers (the original concept) as “glorified feeding stations”. I definitely didn’t mean to imply that there is no value in the “feeding stations” concept. I was simply pointing out that these PVC tubes offer limited value as actual worm composting systems.

Where I see the “feeding stations” idea tying in nicely is with this “bigger picture” model of vermicomposting I touched on earlier. In a yard like mine - where I’ve been vermicomposting for 20 years or more, with many different systems - there is always going to be a resident population of Red Worms, no matter how active I am during a particular season.

Red Worms (and composting worms in general) are extremely talented at surviving and adapting to less favorable conditions. This statement alone opens up other “cans of worms” (such as “invasive earthworms”) - which I really can’t get into today lol - but the key take-away is that there are cases where you can have a lot of composting worms just hanging out…not “living their best life”...just hanging tight until conditions and opportunities improve.

Something like “feeding stations” can serve as a sort of lifeline for these worms - drawing them in and concentrating them.

Different idea than an actual in-ground bucket system - but still a neat strategy in certain cases where your composting worms have ended up a bit more scattered on your property.

Anyway - I think I had better leave it at that for today, but there will definitely be more to say on the topic of “vermigardening” in the days ahead.

As always, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or questions at any point along the way!

Bentley

P.S. I wanted to also share another page I created relating to in-ground bucket systems. It includes a video (pretty sure it features the system I wrote about in the blog post I shared last time).

Compost Guy Resources

Basic In-Ground Bucket Worm Bin

Do Worm Towers Actually Work? - Apr. 18, 2026

Hello Vermi-Friends!

In my last group broadcast I wrote about my keen interest in getting more serious about my gardening efforts this season. It is hard to beat the cost savings and health benefits of “growing your own” - especially in this day and age.

I received some interesting replies from readers (thank-you!), and certainly welcome more if you feel so inclined to share what you are up to in the garden.

Today, I want to start chatting a bit about integrated vermicomposting - or “vermigardening” if you prefer. Definitely one of my favorite topics in the whole wide world!

It was my ill-fated restaurant food waste composting project (in a modest suburban yard) that led to my “accidental” discovery of vermicomposting trenches - which not only completely changed the way I looked at vermicomposting, but which also quickly made me “good at” gardening for the first time ever. Lol

These serious in-ground systems like trenches and pits are amazing - and I highly recommend them for anyone with the space, resources, and physical prowess (lol) to make them happen…but for many people, something a bit more low-key is usually going to make more sense.

This is where “Worm Towers” can really shine!

Firstly, I need to be very clear that MY definition of this term is considerably broader than that of the original “Worm Tower” concept - and, in fact, that I never really felt the original concept made all that much sense.

If you’re not familiar - the idea was that you would use 4” PVC pipes with lots of holes in the sides, as a sort of in-ground worm composting system.

For the record, I was happy to put my initial skepticism aside, and I fully tested these things out.

My conclusion was exactly as predicted. 4" PVC pipes are indeed way too small for effective vermicomposting, they offer virtually no protection for the worms, and they are just plain ugly.

Another major issue (which maybe helps to explain the original design) was this idea that it was really just a glorified feeding station - and that the worms would actually be doing a lot of valuable work out in the adjacent gardening soil.

I won’t debate for a second that composting worms can survive in soil - even potentially “thrive” on some level if the right conditions/resources are present. But this idea that they are providing the same benefits as more typical soil earthworms is nonsense.

They are waste processing super heroes - not earth workers!

Mini rants aside - there is some “genius” in the concept itself.

A system in the soil that helps composting worms thrive - it makes total sense!

Really, the main “secret to success” involves making these things bigger and, ideally, more contained. A super easy way to do this is to simply use an actual container (mind-blowing, I know lol).

If you want to get really serious, something like a plastic garbage bin can work well…but it also takes up a lot of room (in my mind, these would be much better suited for something like pet poop vermicomposting).

For most people, I think a basic 5 gallon (ish) pail is a much better option! They are super cheap, very easy to move, very effective…and they don’t take up nearly as much space!

Here is a blog post I wrote about this topic in case you want to learn more:

I will leave it at that for today - but will likely have more to say about (somewhat compact) integrated vermicomposting soon!

I’d love to hear from anyone who has worked with integrated systems - or who just generally has an interest in the topic as a whole.

Bentley

Compost Guy Resources

The Preppers & Homesteaders Must Be Laughing - Apr. 16, 2026

Hello Worm Friends,

These are interesting times, I tell ya!

I dunno about you, but looking at the price of food in the store these days definitely makes my eyes water. I’m not even talking about “organic” - I’m just talking about...food. lol

So yeah, it has me feeling like I should really start getting serious about my gardening again, by golly!

Every year I have some form of “garden”...but in recent years (ok let’s face it - for quite a few years) it has been very low-key in the effort department. I am blessed with plenty of “volunteer” crops that continue to pop up. I’ve always been a bit of a “potato guy”, and they are great for continuing to come up as well.

My 87 year old dad is a saint - every season (never fails) - he takes pity on me and shows up with some actual starter plants to put in as well.

So, yeah - I grow some "food" every season.

But, I’m feeling like it might be time to relive my “glory days”!

Back when I had some serious vermicomposting trenches (and other integrated systems) going. Back when I actually planned things out and got started somewhat early (keep in mind I am in Canada - I’ve still got a bit of time here lol)

Here are a few pics just to prove I’m not fibbing:

(My daughter is almost 19 - finishing up first year university - and my son is 15...just for some chronological perspective LOL)

Gardening is good for your soul (and of course, health) - that much I know for sure - but these days it is also especially good for your pocket book!

So - I would love to hear from all of you food gardeners!

What are your go-to crops? What do you have planned (I’m sure well underway for those of you in warmer regions)?

I definitely want to dive back into the topic of “vermi-gardening” in the weeks ahead as well. I know from experience how effective integrated systems can be for helping a gardening hack like myself (so I can only imagine how well this stuff works for real gardening pros).

Looking forward to being “schooled” - and to getting things rolling in a big way!

Bentley “Out of Practice Green Thumb” Christie

P.S. As an unrelated sidenote, I recently released my first (public) YouTube video in more than 5 years (crazy, right?) - featuring my Big Mama Isopod-Worm Bin. It’s so basic and low quality (especially these days) - but I think I have just reached the point in life where I am saying “why not?” more often (still not often enough)! I plan to release some more of these ridiculously basic, unfancy clunkers in the weeks ahead. I am still waiting for some “haters” to show up - but so far the comments have been really nice! LOL

Compost Guy Resources

Grass Thatch for Vermicomposting - Apr. 12, 2026

Worm Greetings!

I got outside for some overdue yard work yesterday. I’ve been dreading it. The exact same way I dread it every, single year, once spring finally settles in (and there’s no more hope of random blankets of snow covering up my fall “best efforts”).

It was sunny - and likely less than 10 C (50 F), but it wasn’t long before it felt like…paradise.

I always smile when I think about this stuff after the fact. Sunshine. Fresh air. Some light physical labour. A sense of accomplishment. How on earth do I convince myself this is something I need to avoid?

It’s a mystery.

I dragged my son out with me. He’s 15 now, and definitely needs to develop a stronger appreciation of this type of “hard work”. Like most parents, I feel like I had a greater appreciation of “hard work” when I was his age. Also like most parents, I’m probably full of crap.

As expected, he was miserable when we first got out there. “HOW long do we need to be out here?” “WHAT exactly are we out here for?” “WHEN will it be done?”

Maybe not word for word quotes - but not far off.

I’m not a lecturer per se…but I will admit to giving him some lectures - lol.

What’s great is that he too experienced a positive shift once he got focused on some specific tasks I had assigned - even reaching the point of actually apologizing for being a bit crabby earlier.

So what’s the point of this long-winded lead in? I’m not really sure. Maybe that even small, simple things can make a big difference if you give them a chance - or that sometimes (as often as you can) it’s a good idea to ignore that nagging, negative voice in your head and just do what needs to be done.

But I digress…this wasn’t meant to be a self-help piece lol. What actually inspired it was of course grass thatch!

Seeing the growing pile of thatch as I raked my lawn, I was reminded of the fact that this is a pretty interesting material - one that doesn’t sit rigidly in any one category. It has some food value, it has some bedding value…even some value as a living material, believe it or not. Yet it’s not something most people would think to add to a vermicomposting system (especially not a worm bin).

Just in case anyone isn’t familiar with the term “thatch” - this basically just refers (primarily) to the dead grass that accumulates on a lawn over time. Naturally, it can include any number of other components - depending on what else has fallen onto - or been added to - your lawn.

It’s also important to point out that the timing of your thatch harvest can make a big difference in terms of the type of material you end up with.

My “early spring” (here in Ontario) collection was almost entirely dead grass, and other debris that happened to be on the lawn (e.g. dead maple keys). Raking later in the spring would undoubtedly yield a higher proportion of green grass - giving it more “food” value.

Just something to keep in mind.

Thatch Usage & Caveats

Lots of thatch can be used as-is, but if you want to age/enhance it a bit, I suggest putting it in some type of plastic bin (lightly moistening it first if it is very dry) - even a plastic bag would work - and leaving it to sit for a week or two (definitely no harm in leaving it longer, though). At this point, it will be even more of a “living” habitat material, and your worms should love it.
You can add it, along with more typical bedding during a new system set-up (2 parts bedding to 1 part thatch should work well), or simply add it as a cover material in an active system.
Hopefully it goes without saying that thatch from lawns where pesticides - or inorganic fertilizers (any time recently) - have been applied, shouldn’t be used for vermicomposting.
It’s probably important to also establish that thatch and actual grass clippings are very different materials. The latter, while offering plenty of potential as a “green” in outdoor systems, should be treated with a lot more caution.

I will leave it at that for today.

Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions, or experiences to share. I always love hearing from readers!

Bentley

P.S. After my last “living material” e-mail, a really good question came in relating to the viability of microbes in material sitting outdoors, exposed to harsh winter conditions (i.e. does this basically “sterilize” the material). I don’t have a definitive answer, but what I do know is that microorganisms definitely have strategies for surviving severe conditions - typically some form of protective resting stage. My hunch is that it is all in the lead time, prior to exposure. If you toss compost straight into a chest freezer, for example, my guess is that would have a pretty devastating impact on the microbial community. If materials have been sitting outdoors as temperatures start to drop in the fall, it seems much more likely that they will have the chance to properly prepare for winter conditions - although, just how severe the conditions are, and how exposed the material is, both likely have a major influence.

Compost Guy Resources

Earthworms, and Worm Bags and Chickens? Oh My! - Apr. 10, 2026

Hello, Worm Friends!

If you’ve followed Red Worm Composting for any length of time, you’ll likely know that I have partnered with other people in the industry as a way to help support my work, while ensuring my followers end up connected with other great products/suppliers/educators in the worm world.

One such supplier…and colleague…and good friend (gosh darn it) is Steve Churchill, of Urban Worm Company fame.

I would be surprised if anyone reading this hasn’t heard of Steve (or Urban Worm Company / Urban Worm Bags) by this point. Since 2014, when he launched the Urban Worm Company blog, he has absolutely skyrocketed to the top of the worm world and, let’s face it, put most of the rest of us to shame. Lol

What’s funny is I’ve always liked to think that I played some small role in Steve’s (early) journey, and he has said some nice things to support that idea over the years…BUT, looking back at the first official e-mail I received from him (April 2014), it looks like I didn’t even respond!

(It was an accident, Steve - I just didn’t see it!! I swear! lol)

OK, kidding aside - Steve joined the Worm Farming Alliance a short time after that, and our connection grew pretty quickly from there (he is actually now a managing partner of the WFA).

I sold his Urban Worm Bag on the Red Worm Website for many years…

…but weirdly we haven’t really done much in the way of collaboration (for the record, Steve has been trying hard to get me to attend conferences - or even just to hop on a call - for years - unsuccessfully…so this is definitely a “me” thing lol)

Anyway - long-winded lead-ins aside, this e-mail is to formally announce that Urban Worm Company is now my “official” supplier. This is primarily relevant for those of you who live in USA (most of my subscribers) - although, Steve does have amazing educational resources (including courses) that are available to a much more ‘global’ audience.

As always, this isn’t something I am going to beat subscribers over the head with. I mainly wanted to mention it so everyone understands why I am maybe mentioning UWC a little more moving forward.

There are some other potential things brewing behind the scenes related to all of this, but I will leave it at that for now!

Back to our regularly scheduled programming in my next e-mail.

Bentley

P.S. If you actually made it this far and are curious about the subject line - Urban Worm Company actually does sell chickens now!

Compost Guy Resources