Compost worms are an idea that many people are not familiar with and yet they can provide a wealth of benefits. Worm composting involves the use of worms in order to recycle organic materials, including food scraps, into fertilizer. The fertilizer that is produced by compost worms is known as vermicompost or sometimes just simply as worm compost. This process is similar to traditional composting, with the exception that you are adding in worms to help speed along the process. 

The compost worms eat the scraps which are provided to them and the compost is produced when the material passes through the compost worm's bodies. The resulting compost is rich and makes an excellent amendment to soil for gardening. 

When getting started with compost worms, you should know that you will need a worm bin. Almost any type of sturdy box will work well. If you choose to use a wooden box, make sure you choose one that is treated to avoid the risk of rot. It should be layered with moist newspaper or cardboard scraps. This will provide bedding for the worms and will also help to hold the moisture that the worms need to survive. After the bedding has been placed in the box, you can then add the worms. Be aware of the fact that only certain types of worms will work for worm composting. Red wiggler worms are the best option. They can be either ordered or obtained from a bait and tackle shop. 

Provide vegetable and raw fruit scraps to the worms. Avoid adding any oils, meats, dairy products or similar products, which are too complex for the compost worms to break down. Also avoid cooked foods as well as citrus foods which have too much acid. A variety of raw fruit and vegetable scraps will work best. 

Other than adding the scraps from time to time and making sure that the composting material remains moist, that is really all you have to do. The compost worms will do the remainder of the work while you reap the benefits. Do make sure that the area where you place the compost box is able to receive sufficient air circulation. Also, it should be in a location that is neither too cold nor too warm. Provide your compost worms with those basic elements and they will reward you with rich, nutritious fertilizer for your plants.