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Red wigglers will eat cilantro, and it can actually be a pretty decent little snack for them in moderation.
Cilantro is a soft, leafy herb that breaks down fairly quickly in a worm bin, which makes it an easy food source for red wigglers to nibble on.
If you’ve been wondering whether your red wigglers will eat cilantro or if it’s one of those foods you should keep away from your bin, the good news is that it’s generally safe.
Still, there are a few things to keep in mind so you don’t accidentally upset the balance of your worm bin.
In this post, we’ll look at why red wigglers will eat cilantro, how to feed it to them the right way, and a few common mistakes to avoid.
Let’s dig in.
Will Red Wigglers Eat Cilantro?
Yes, red wigglers will eat cilantro, and here’s why it works so well in a worm bin.
1. Cilantro Is Soft and Easy to Break Down
Red wigglers don’t have teeth, so they rely on soft, decomposing material that’s already starting to break down.
Cilantro leaves are tender and wilt quickly, which means they soften up fast and become easy for your red wigglers to consume.
That’s one big reason red wigglers will eat cilantro without much fuss.
2. It’s Packed With Moisture
Cilantro is mostly water, and red wigglers love moist food because it helps keep their bin environment humid.
A damp bin keeps their skin healthy and supports the microbes that help break food down.
So when red wigglers eat cilantro, they’re also getting a little hydration boost along with their meal.
3. It’s Rich in Nutrients
Cilantro contains vitamins and minerals that can benefit your worms once it starts decomposing.
As the leaves break down, they release nitrogen and other nutrients that feed the microorganisms in your bin.
Those microorganisms then become food for your red wigglers, so cilantro ends up supporting the whole bin ecosystem.
4. It’s Not Toxic to Worms
Unlike some herbs or plants that can be harmful, cilantro isn’t toxic to red wigglers.
There’s no compound in cilantro that will harm your worms, so it’s a safe addition to their diet.
That said, “safe” doesn’t mean “feed them a giant pile of it every day,” which brings us to the next point.
How to Feed Cilantro to Red Wigglers
Even though red wigglers will eat cilantro, how you feed it matters just as much as what you feed them.
1. Chop It Into Small Pieces
The smaller the pieces, the faster they break down and the easier it is for your red wigglers to eat.
Toss chopped cilantro into your bin instead of whole sprigs, and you’ll see them work through it much quicker.
2. Feed It in Moderation
Cilantro should be a treat or a supplement, not the main course.
Too much of any one food, including cilantro, can throw off the pH of your bin or cause it to get too wet.
A small handful mixed in with other scraps is plenty for red wigglers to enjoy.
3. Bury It Under the Bedding
Burying cilantro helps control odors and keeps fruit flies from swarming your bin.
It also puts the food right where your red wigglers like to hang out, so they’ll find it faster.
4. Watch for Pesticides
If your cilantro isn’t organic, it may carry pesticide residue that could harm your worms.
Rinse it well before feeding, or stick with organic cilantro whenever you can.
That way, you can be confident your red wigglers are eating cilantro that’s actually good for them.
What Happens If You Overfeed Cilantro?
Feeding too much cilantro can cause a few problems in your bin.
1. Excess Moisture
Because cilantro is so watery, too much of it can make your bin soggy.
A wet bin is a breeding ground for pests and can stress your red wigglers out.
Balance it with dry bedding like shredded cardboard or newspaper.
2. Acidic Conditions
As cilantro decomposes, it can slightly acidify the bin over time if you overdo it.
Red wigglers prefer a fairly neutral environment, so keep an eye on things.
Adding a little crushed eggshell now and then helps keep the pH steady.
3. Slow Consumption
If you dump in more cilantro than your red wigglers can eat, it’ll sit there and rot.
Rotting food attracts pests and creates smells you don’t want in your bin.
Start small and see how quickly your red wigglers eat cilantro before adding more.
So, Will Red Wigglers Eat Cilantro?
Yes, red wigglers will eat cilantro, and it’s a safe, nutritious addition to their diet when fed in moderation.
The key is chopping it small, burying it in the bedding, and not overdoing it so your bin stays balanced.
So go ahead and share that leftover cilantro with your red wigglers, just keep it as part of a varied diet and they’ll be happy.