Nuts can be safely put in your worm bin and the worms will break them down over a period of 2-3 weeks. It is best to break down the nuts into smaller pieces to help the worms and soil bacteria to break them down quickly. Cover the nuts with some sugar cane mulch or worm bedding to help to prevent ants and flies.
Do not put heavily salted nuts into your worm bin. You can put them in a strainer and run them under cold water to wash as much salt as possible off. After that they can be placed in your worm bin and will not harm the worms or upset the balance.
This article will explore how to put nuts in your worm farm or bin safely to help them to break down as quick as possible. We will also explore 2 types of nuts that should not be placed in your worm bin.
Nuts that are safe to put in your worm bin
Here are the top types of nuts that are safe to put in your worm bin. All of these will break down quickly and will be great food for your worms.
1. Avocado nuts (or seeds)
Avocado nuts or seeds can be safely placed in your worm farm. If you put avocado nuts in the worm farm without breaking them into pieces they are likely to sprout. You can then snip the sprout off and easily break the nut into pieces.
The worms will then break down the pieces. Another option is to chop and break the nut into small pieces before putting it in the worm bin. You can grate the nut using a metal grater which will make it easy for the worms to break down quickly.
2. Old seeds and nuts from bird feed
Birds will create a lot of mess and leftover husks when they eat seeds and nuts. You can put fresh bird seed or old husks in your worm farm without any problems. If you are putting whole nuts in the worm farm then it is best to cover them with soil to help to deter birds, rats and mice.
There is a chance that these seeds will sprout in your worm farm but this is no problem. Just take a small trowel and dig them into the worm farm gently. The worms will then eat the sprouts and break them down into castings capturing the nitrogen.
3. Roasted nuts
Roasted nuts without salt are safe to put in your worm farm. If you have leftover nuts from a party then you can throw them straight into your worm bin. Larger nuts like walnuts can be broken down into smaller pieces.
Whole walnuts will take a long time for worms to break down so always deshell them before putting them in.
Here are roasted nut types that are safe to add to your worm bin (remember to make sure they do not contain added salt).
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Macadamias
- Hazelnuts
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
- Pine nuts
4. Nut shells
Nut shells from almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans and peanuts are all safe to put in your worm bin. Any nut shell will be find for the worms to break down. For large, thick shells, always break them down int smaller pieces to help the worms to break them down.
Smash them into small pieces with a hammer and scrape them into your worm bin.
5. Moldy or rotten nuts
If you have left nuts sitting around in containers for too long they can go rancid. These nuts are not good for human consumption and will taste terrible. Moldy or rotten nuts can definitely go in your worm bin. Break down the nuts into smaller pieces and place them in. Cover with some fall leaves, straw or hay to help to prevent smells and rodents.
6. Fresh nuts including peanuts, cashews and almonds
If you have fresh nuts from a tree or bagged from your grocery store them can go in your worm farm. Worms will usually wait for these fresh nuts to start to break down a bit and be consumed by soil bacteria before eating them and the nuts.
It is important not to add too many nuts at a time. Start with a handful and only add more once the first lot have been broken down.
7. Chia seeds
Chia seeds that have been soaked, cooked or raw can all be added to your worm farm. It is essential to only add a small amount at a time. A small cup full should be fine for most worm farm sizes. Raw chia seeds can sprout in your worm farm so cover them with a thick layer of castings or fall leaves to block the light.
Don’t worry if the chia seeds sprout, you can just mix them into your worm castings and the worms will break them down.
Nuts not to put in your worm bin
Here are 2 main nut types not to put in your worm bin. They can attract rodents, flies and smells and can upset the balance in your worm bin.
1. Salted nuts
Salted nuts should not be added straight to your worm bin. The salt can be harmful to your worms and can upset the balance of soil bacteria.
To safely add salted nuts to your worm bin you will need to thoroughly wash off as much salt as possible. Rinse the nuts with a strainer and use your fingers to thoroughly rub them around and work the salt off. Repeat this process 2-3 times to remove as much salt as possible.
While you cannot completely remove the salt, you can remove enough to make it safe for your worms. Only add a small amount of rinsed nuts at a time, starting with 1-2 handfuls.
2. Peanut or nut butters
Do not add peanut or other nut butters to your worm farm. These contain too much salt and sugar, clump together and can attract ants and rodents. Even nut butters that do not contain added salt and sugar can be a problem. They can make your worm bin a sticky mess so it is best to avoid adding them.
How To Put Nuts in Your Worm Farm | Summary
Safely put nuts in your worm farm by adding a maximum of 1-2 handfuls at a time and make sure they are unsalted. Break large nuts like walnuts and pecans into smaller pieces to help your worms to break down as quick as possible. Avoid adding nut butters because these can attract ants.
Happy worm farming.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.