Worm composting & vacations: some good advice

Do you have a worm compost bin and are going on vacation this summer? 😎 You may be wondering what will become of your compost worms...

Don't panic, we've got the answers to your most frequently asked questions about managing vermicompost during the vacations, especially during the summer.

Discover our tips for keeping your compost worms happy while you're away, and finding them back in top form when you return.

👉 Discover our full range of composters, so you can compost at home, even in an apartment.

1 - Will my worms stand the summer heat in my vermicompost? 🌡️

Summer vacations mean hot weather, even a heatwave... In the vermicompost, the worms' comfort temperature is between 15 and 25°C. Above 35°C, summer temperatures can be fatal.

A naturally insulating material, terracotta protects worms from temperature fluctuations, whereas plastic heats up very quickly in summer. That's why we chose terracotta for our Ceercle composters. Last summer, while it was 30 degrees in our greenhouse, it was 25 degrees inside the worm composter.

That said, a little shade never hurt anyone. Place your vermicomposter in a shady spot before you leave ⛱️

In hot weather, place a layer of wet cardboard around the inside of your composter. This will help insulate it from outside temperatures. You can also add cardboard or a damp cloth to the top of your compost to cool down your worms.

2 - Should I put more food in my vermicompost before I leave and when I return from vacation?

⚠ Mistake to avoid: don't try to compensate for your absence by suddenly adding more biowaste to the compost, lest your worms don't have enough to eat!

This sudden influx of food can throw your vermicompost out of balance, as your worms will have trouble breaking down the food. You'll be in for a nasty surprise when you return (bad smells, gnats...)! Don't change your good habits.

Go on vacation with peace of mind: worms can go 3 weeks without food. Worms are self-regulating. When less food is available, worms slow down their metabolism and reproduction rate. During your absence, the worm population will decrease.

To find out more about vermicomposting, read our article "Everything you need to know about the vermicomposter".

3 - What should I do with my vermicompost tea before I go on vacation?

Do you have a vermicomposter with a tap for harvesting compost tea? 🚰 Leave the tap open (with a container underneath) to allow the compost tea to flow out and prevent it from stagnating in your vermicomposter!

If you have a Ceercle composter, the compost tea is collected in the tray inside the base. To prevent overflowing, remember to empty the compost tea before leaving. 

Diluted in your irrigation water (about 20 cl per liter of water), it's a super natural fertilizer for your plants! 💦 If you have too much, you can store it in a glass bottle for about two weeks. Keep it away from heat and light. After that, it will begin to lose nutrients (source: Vers la terre). 

Did you know?
As a natural detergent, you can also pour earthworms down your drains to keep them clean! 

4 - What if my worms died while I was away in my vermicompost...?

When you return from vacation, check your vermicomposter to make sure your worms are still there. Can't see them at first glance? Take a look at the very bottom of the compost bin, by hand for the boldest, or with a spoon for the fussiest. They tend to gather there and play hide-and-seek 😉

If there are no more signs of life in your vermicompost, don't panic, you can order a refill of compost worms on our website. We know you'll feel terrible and that you'll do better next time. We raise our own worms in Lyon.

5. How do I restart my vermicompost when I return?

When you return, follow the same principle as before your departure: don't feed the worms more food to compensate for your absence! Gradually resume your biowaste input. The worm population will increase again.

Conclusion

With these tips, your composting worms will take it easy while you're away, and you'll find them back in top form! 😎

And if you ever have more questions about your compost when you return from vacation, read our article "The 5 most common compost problems"..

In the meantime: happy vacations to you all, and see you in September for more gardening and vermicomposting tips!

Sarah de Ceercle.