Bedding Material
Bedding material provides an easy burrowing environment for the worms that is both aerobic and capable of retaining moisture. In some cases, the bedding material is also a source of nutrition for the worms. Acceptable bedding materials, both singly and in combination, include shredded newsprint and computer paper, potting soil, peat moss, shredded leaves and well rotted and sterilized animal manures. Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages and further discussion on this is contained in Worms Eat My Garbage. Peat moss, for example is acidic and may inhibit worm growth. Alternatively, vegetable based inks in newsprint are a good source of dietary protein for worms.
Unacceptable worm bedding materials include shredded glossy magazines and topsoil. The former are not recommended because of the clay coating on the paper and the possible use of heavy metal based coloured printing inks. Most topsoils are also too heavy in both weight and texture and, unless sterilized, will contain other organisms (mites, aphids, maggots) which may be a nuisance indoors. They may be acceptable in a heated, stand-alone garage.