QUESTION: Do you need worms for compost?
ANSWER: No, you do not need worms for a compost pile, and you can compost successfully without the help of worms, however, worms will speed up the composting process considerably, and even without being knowingly added to your compost, worms somehow usually find their way to a compost pile naturally.
Outside, composting happens without the help of earthworms, however, adding worms to your compost can be very beneficial. Worms play an important role in helping to break down waste products, and when added to a compost pile, worms can help speed up the process of decomposition.
Your compost pile is similar to a miniature-ecosystem which consists of a lot of other bugs, microbes, and fungi, all of which contribute to the decomposition process. Worms are one of the many beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic material.
Their presence in compost is helpful but composting occurs regardless of the number of worms in your pile. However, worms are capable of consuming large amounts of decomposing matter in a relatively short time period, and their presence in your pile will make your composting process more efficient.
The best type of worms for composting are red wigglers. They are well suited to consuming and processing rich organic matter and they can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Red wigglers can consume large amounts of compostable materials and can quickly process both kitchen scraps and garden waste with ease. Adding red wigglers to your compost pile will help speed up the composting process in your pile, providing you with nutrient rich compost in a timely fashion. Though worms are not essential to a well-functioning compost system, they are highly beneficial to composters.