Are My Worms Alive?

I often would like to know if there is life in the old nursery.

I take a paper egg-carton and tear it up into one-inch squares. Moistening the carton first makes it easier to tear. I soak the pieces in water for five minutes, then place them atop the nursery. Retreat to a safe distance for two days, then lift the cover and inspect the damp shreds.

If you can see worm castings across the top (exposed) surface of the shreds, you know that there's only one way they can have got there.

No castings doesn't mean you have no worms, but castings means you do.

If you see castings you can nurture your nursery on the assumption that worms are active. If you see no castings, you may then consider investigating the contents of the nursery in a suitably gentle manner.