Compost and worms

[caroline7758]

This morning I moved my black dalek composter a few feet,mainly so I could "turn" the compost. I put some plastic down on the new spot (thinking about keep the weeds and  bramble roots out), refilled it, then realised the worms won't be able to get in! I suspect a rat or two will chew their way in and that will leave holes for the worms, but I didn't notice any worms in the compost itself either, so I was wondering whether it's worth digging some up from the allotment or buying some from a fishing shop to put in? How important are worms in compost?

[caroline7758]

[tomatoada]

Small  Bramley worms always appear in my compost after a few weeks.  I am careful to layer what I put in.  Household waste, leaves, shredded paper and annual weeds etc..  Never had a problem.  I don't know if the bigger earth worms do much in compost.  Would like to know.

[tonybloke]

'Brandling' or 'tiger' worms will appear when the compost is breaking down, you can easily find some by putting a small amount of grass turf under a piece of plastic and leaving it for a few days!

[tomatoada]

Thanks for the correction, and also the tip about turf and plastic.

[caroline7758]

Yes, thanks for that tip- will couch grass turf work (got plenty of that >:() and does it matter which way up?

[tonybloke]

nope! it's the rotting vegetation that drawsthem in! don't know where from, though!! ;D

[caroline7758]

Sorry, I meant I could skim off some couch "turf".

[tonybloke]

Yep!

[jjt]

No worms in the compost can be good. It means it's done. I don't think a bit of plastic will keep worms out anyway so I wouldn't worry too much.