Either way works. Between the rows of cages and worm beds is a cement walk. The worm beds were started with peat moss, grass clippings, raked leaves, soiled rabbit and horse hay, shredded newspaper and waste from the garden. Do not use any meats, fried or greasy food or dairy products, which will cause problems that are explained later in this article. With easy access to two nearby cotton plants, we have access to all the cotton balls anyone could ever need.
Cotton balls are a great worm bedding and are usually free for the asking.
All of the worm beddings are changed out once a year. This is done in February when the weather is cold. The worms are less active and there is fewer loss of any unhatched capsules and small worms. The use of bright lights will also help to drive the worms deeper into the ground. The castings are stored for later use in the spring.