this post was submitted on 18 Feb 2025
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Garden fork is perfect! Also, drying worms doesn't actually happen - they go into aestivation, having laid eggs. As soon as things moisten up, the eggs hatch and the adults re-activate. Yes, they are less active in winter, but they don't actually stop - just burrow deeper which is what you want for circulation of nutrients.
Wet vegie scraps are an extra - you might need to give the compost an occasional bucket of water but seriously, the worms actually generate quite a bit of moisture themselves. I've never had a dryness problem that couldn't be fixed with a bucket of water whatever the season. Worms are the gift that keeps on giving. They eat the dry stuff too - and turn it into wonderful worm castings. Just takes a bit longer.
Most compost problems are too much moisture and too little aeration. Worms fix both.
As you've probably figured, I'm a fan of worms. I like the way they do the heavy lifting while I kick back with a glass of wine.
I’m just scared I’m going to hurt the little beasts. Especially with a fork. Also monies 🪙🤏
The fork seems to be OK - I had a few casualties when I used a spade but they seem to wriggle away from a fork or hoe.