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?
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.
'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!
Thanks for the correction, and also the tip about turf and plastic.
Yes, thanks for that tip- will couch grass turf work (got plenty of that >:() and does it matter which way up?
nope! it's the rotting vegetation that drawsthem in! don't know where from, though!! ;D
Sorry, I meant I could skim off some couch "turf".
Yep!
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.