Make a Worm Bin for Worm Composting
Creating a worm bin for vermicomposting is a straightforward and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Cost: 50
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Equipment
Materials
- Two plastic bins with lids dark-colored, around 10 gallons each
- Drill with 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch drill bits
- Shredded newspaper or cardboard
- Spray bottle with water
- Red wiggler worms about 1,000 worms
Instructions
Steps to Make a Worm Bin
Drill Air Holes:
- Drill 1/4-inch holes around the top edge of one bin for ventilation.
- Drill 1/8-inch holes in the bottom of the same bin for drainage.
Prepare the Bedding:
- Fill the bin with shredded newspaper or cardboard, about 2-3 inches deep.
- Moisten the bedding with water from the spray bottle until it’s damp but not soaking wet.
Add the Worms:
- Gently place the red wiggler worms on top of the bedding.
- Let them burrow into the bedding on their own.
- Feeding the Worms:
- Add small amounts of kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds) to the bin.
- Bury the food scraps under the bedding to prevent odors and pests.
Maintain the Bin:
- Keep the bin in a cool, dark place, ideally between 50-75°F.
- Monitor the moisture level, adding water if the bedding dries out.
- Turn the bedding occasionally to aerate and mix the materials.
Harvesting the Compost:
- After a few months, the bedding will be transformed into rich, dark compost.
- Separate the worms from the compost by moving the contents to one side of the bin and adding fresh bedding and food to the other side. The worms will migrate to the new food, making it easier to collect the finished compost.
Notes
Tips for Success
Avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods to the bin, as they can attract pests and create odors. If the bin starts to smell, it may be too wet or have too much food. Adjust by adding more dry bedding or reducing the amount of food.