By the end of this lesson: you will recognise when bedding needs topping up or replacing.

Bedding disappears because it is eaten and broken down. If you only add food, the system gradually loses structure. Add small amounts of shredded cardboard regularly, especially after wet feeds.

A dry cover layer helps suppress flies and protects the active zone. Mix some bedding through the material rather than leaving every piece on top.

In a tray system, prepare the next tray before it is urgently needed.

If the system is too wet, add dry bedding in stages and improve airflow. If it is too dry, moisten bedding separately before mixing it in. Dumping a jug of water into one corner creates a swamp, not balance.

Top Tip – Remember to mix up the bedding gentle to create airflow for the worms.  Do this infrequently or if it’s looking very heavy and compacted.  Worms are pretty good tunnelers but with no air they will have issues making pathways.

Practical Task: Prepare one batch of bedding using a measured “handful recipe”. Photograph it dry, dampened and ready to use. Record which materials were easiest to source as when you can get a good supply of things you want to keep it going as your set up expands.