Adding the right worms to a Johnson-Su composting system is an important step in setting up the system for effective composting. Here are the key steps for adding worms to your Johnson Su.
If you have set up an IBC you will need a minimum of 500g of the right worms to do the job (and for a faster result you can add up to 2kg in each IBC). The best type are these Composting Worms – otherwise known as Red Worms, Red Wigglers Eisenia Fetida or Dendrabaena Veneta.

These worms are well-suited to the composting process, as they thrive in organic matter and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

1. Prepare the Bin: Worms need an inert bedding to work their way out of to compost the waste you have in your Johnson-Su. Either soak a coir block (available as an option here with the worms or add a layer of shredded newspaper or cardboard into the top corner of the bin.
2. Add the Worms: Once the bin is prepared, add all the worms to the area you put the bedding in. Spread the worms evenly over the top of the bedding material. Do not bury the worms, as they will burrow into the bedding material on their own.

Our composting worms are mixture of species (mainly reds and dendras) selected for their composting ability. Sometimes composting worms are known as tiger worms, brandlings, reds and dendras. All work really well in your wormery and we use a mix as some worms prefer slightly more acidic conditions so a mix is beneficial.

Each species of worm is a surface litter worm meaning unlike the usual worms you find in your garden (lob worms - Lumbricus Terrestris) surface litter worms like reds and dendras like to work in the top few inches of the soil which is perfect in your wormery. They're found naturally in a manure heap or on the forest floor.

These worms are fast breeders, they mature in a matter of weeks and can lay an egg every 10 days or so are prolific at eating, composting and breeding. Available with or without bedding.