Coir, a fibrous material from the husk of a coconut, is a viable bedding for worms in vermiculture, or worm composting. This material is completely natural, holds water and also provides air pockets in the composting mixture, which benefits the compost mixture and the worms within it. Its moisture- and nutrient-retention properties mean less maintenance of the worm composting bin, and a happy, healthy environment for the worms.
Purpose in Composting
Coconut coir is a bedding material used for the worms. This bedding provides a comfortable environment for worm life, creating an ideal burrowing environment that is neither too dry nor too damp. Worms need bedding to thrive and break down the food matter they're given. Coir works well because it holds moisture without becoming hard and compacted. It's completely natural, meaning you're not introducing chemicals that might affect the worms or the castings they produce. Coir is processed and sold in brick form.
Coir can be mixed with other materials that break down to create worm bedding. Shredded newspaper or plain cardboard provide great material, as they hold a little moisture and also provide air pockets within the compost or soil mixture. If using shredded newspaper, hand-torn strips or the streamer-style shreds are better than the small diamond-shaped pieces created by a cross-cut shredder. Small pieces, such as those paper diamonds, are likely to compress and compact within the soil, which makes the environment slightly less suitable for the worms and for creating a nutrient-rich compost. Pine shavings or a small amount of partially decomposed leaves can be added to the bedding as well.
To use coir as worm bedding, first soak the coir in water and squeeze out the excess, like a damp sponge. Fill the worm composting bin three-fourths full with coir or a combination of coir and shredded paper or corrugated cardboard. A suitable worm composting bin allows air circulation and has small holes on the bottom and sides, as well as a lid to keep the worms inside. Bricks keep the bin off the ground to allow matter to flow out the bottom. Add a handful of soil to the coir. The soil's gritty texture aids the worms' digestive process. Place the worms atop the coir and let them burrow and get used to their surroundings for a few days. Set a piece of damp cardboard or paper on top of the bedding after adding worms.
Coir and the vermiculture bin are relatively low maintenance. Store the bin in a cool, dry area to keep the worms comfortable. The coir or bedding mixture needs to be slightly damp at all times, but not soaking wet. Only feed the worms natural substances that do not contain animal products, dairy or oils. Coffee grounds and filters, eggshells, vegetable and non-citrus fruit matter can all be broken down by the worms. Add a little damp coir or mixed bedding on top of the food. Check the bin every few days to determine when more food or bedding is needed.
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