Composter’s Combo

The Composters Combo combines the strengths of 1,000 Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida) and 500 European Nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis), giving you a powerful duo for fast, efficient composting. These two species work together to break down organic waste like kitchen scraps and paper faster than either species alone. When raised together in the same compost bin, they create nutrient-rich worm castings and live in harmony without conflict.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this combo consumes your food waste—ideal for both beginner and experienced worm composters.

Worm Identification

• Red Wigglers are small, deep red worms with faint banding and a yellow-tipped tail. Their size makes them perfect for compact worm bins, but they also perform exceptionally well in large-scale composting systems.

• European Nightcrawlers, often called “Super Reds,” are larger—typically 2–3 times the size of Red Wigglers—and have pronounced banding with a wider body. They tolerate cold weather better than most worm species and are also used as fishing bait due to their durability.

Both species adapt well to a variety of bedding types, temperature ranges, and moisture levels, making the Composters Combo highly versatile for any composting setup.

Habitat Recommendation

To house 1,000 Red Wigglers and 500 European Nightcrawlers, choose a bin with at least:

• 8-gallon capacity

• Minimum dimensions: 20″ L x 14″ W x 12″ H

• Worm Factory with at least 3 trays

• 5-gallon bucket (for short-term or supplemental use)

• Outdoor compost pile or manure pile (in warm climates only)

⚠️ Keep in mind: Earthworms cannot survive in temperatures below 32°F. If you’re composting outdoors, make sure the habitat is insulated or bring it indoors during winter months. Worms may burrow deeper to escape the cold, but freezing conditions still pose a risk.

Bedding Recommendations

The Composters Combo thrives in a variety of bedding materials. You can mix and match these to suit your bin:

• Composted manure (fully aged for 4–6 weeks)

• Coconut coir

• Shredded newspaper

• Mushroom compost

• Shredded brown cardboard

• Peat moss (use in moderation)

⚠️ If using rabbit manure, rinse thoroughly to reduce urine content. When using peat moss, pre-soak and consider balancing with calcium carbonate to reduce acidity.

Feeding Guidelines

These composting worms can consume nearly all types of fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and other plant-based waste. However, avoid adding:

• Meat

• Dairy

• Fried or oily foods

These can attract pests and produce strong odors, and are difficult for worms to break down.

How Much Kitchen Waste to Feed

No need to weigh or measure precisely—use your fist as a guide:

• Start with 4 fist-sized portions of kitchen scraps

• Depending on the environment, decomposition may take 1–3 weeks

• When most of the food is gone, add another 4 portions

• Over time, you’ll learn how fast different foods are consumed

Grain Feed Instructions

You can supplement your Composters Combo with specially formulated worm grain feed using one of two methods:

1. Top Feeding Method

• Sprinkle ¼ cup of worm feed evenly on top of the bedding

• Mist lightly with water to soften

• Do not feed again until all grain is consumed (12–36 hours)

  • If consumed in <12 hours, increase slightly

  • If consumed in >36 hours, reduce amount

• Add 2 inches of fresh bedding every 2 weeks

2. Total Mix Feeding Method

• Mix ¼ cup of worm feed per gallon of bedding

• Blend thoroughly to distribute evenly

• Prepare extra mix and store in a sealed container

• Feed by adding 1 inch of mix on top of the bin every 3 weeks

Helpful Tips

• Low-maintenance worms: Red Wigglers and European Nightcrawlers are both beginner-friendly and forgiving. They can even survive without bedding for short periods if food is present.

• Harvest castings every 6 weeks: A high ratio of castings to bedding creates muddy, dense material that’s harder to sift through and separate worms from.

• Ensure good drainage: Food scraps release moisture. Without drainage holes, excess liquid can build up and suffocate your worm population.

By combining Red Wigglers and European Nightcrawlers in your worm composting bin, you’ll speed up the breakdown of food waste, reduce odors, and produce rich organic fertilizer faster than ever. Whether you’re composting indoors, outdoors, or on a homestead, the Composters Combo is an efficient, natural solution for waste reduction and soil improvement.