The optimum temperatures for worm compost bins should be between 50-77F (10-25C). Worms can survive considerably colder temperatures but the rate they produce compost will slow down. Keep a worm bin where temperatures do not fluctuate widely. Make sure the bins are not located in direct sun.

Location - Move the bin into a shed or warm greenhouse in winter. They can also be insulated before the cold weather starts. A worm bin with an integral drainage system can be stored indoors, in a shed or on a porch and moved out in the summer. Other bins may need to be set on bare soil to absorb any excess liquid produced.

Feeding- A worm compost bin is typically used to process kitchen and vegetable scraps which are usually available often and in small amounts. This suits the worms, which cannot process large quantities at once. Excess food will turn before the worms can process it, causing an unpleasant smell. The worms cannot process rotting food and may well die.

A worm can be used to process garden wastes in small quantities A small sprinkling of ground limestone will keep the bin sweet. How much food your worm bin can process depends on the temperature and the number of worm. Add no more than 5-7 pints (3-4 liters) of suitable food at one time.

Start slowly and build up gradually. It is important to judge what is happening before adding more. Chop up larger items to speed up the process. A worm bin will survive many weeks without food being added.

Common Problems- A properly working worm compost system will not smell. The two most common problems are overfeeding and excess moisture. If there are still some live worms in the bin stop feeding for a while. Mix in moisture absorbing materials such as newspaper or paper towels.

Add a small amount of limestone and clear any drainage holes. If no live worms are present than remove old compost and start over. Ideally , the bin shoulded be lined with Coir Worm Bedding , which makes good bedding material for worm composters. Coir is a convenient, compact source of carbon that improves the speed and quality of your compost

Tiny black fruit flies may appear in a worm bin. They are not a health hazard but can be annoying. Bury the food to cut down on the number of flies. Do not use any kind of pesticide in a worm compost bin.