When to harvest worm castings

by richard
(NZ)

I have a 4 tier worm farm and the next to bottom layer is now full of worm castings. Should this be emptied out as soon as it is full?


Hello Richard,

worm castings do have a long shelf life and it is up to you at what stage you want to use them as plant food for your garden. It is important to make sure that most of your worms will have left the bin that are holding the worm castings into the bin that is above it.

Compost worms are top feeders and will follow the food supply into the top 10 to 15 cm of their environment.

So if you are certain that the worm castings are free of worms (a few worms in the castings will be ok) you can harvest the castings, use as much of it as you like and store the rest in a cool place for later usage.

If most of your worm herd are still in the bin amongst the castings remove them first before you harvest your castings.

For more information go to the site map of our website where you will find some articles about worm castings and the way to harvest them.

All the best and happy worming

Stephan Kloppert
Editor
Worm-composting-help.com

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From a 25-year worm farmer
Turn your worms into a profitable business
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On Special
“How to Start a Profitable Worm Business on a Shoestring Budget”
by Stephan Kloppert
Paperback$12.99
Kindle$4.99
Order on Amazon Get Kindle Edition →
★ Special prices valid till 31.07.2026
Verified Amazon Customer Reviews
★★★★★
“Everything about building a worm farm is described step by step. Highly recommended!”
— Hubertus, Germany ✓ Verified Purchase
★★★★★
“Well written, informative and oftentimes humorous. A very cost efficient and simple business.”
— Adam J. McKee, United States ✓ Verified Purchase
★★★★★
“No crazy tricks — just straight forward, useable information.”
— Kimberly, United States ✓ Verified Purchase

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