How to Start a Worm Bin Compost

Even though it’s almost winter, you can still start a worm bin compost in your home. It’s best to keep your worm bin indoors for the winter, though, as they don’t like water in their home.

Worms

The worms you use for composting are called red wriggler worms, technical name Eisenia fetida. These worms love to feed on freshly rotting organic matter. They’re also used as bait for fishing.

Worm Bins

Whether you make your own or buy one, make sure you have:

Holes at the top to allow worms to breathe
Holes at the bottom to drain excess water
Lid to keep light out, and fruit flies

If you have a stackable tray system, the inner trays will have slotted bottoms to allow finished compost to fall through to the bottom, separating it from decomposing food. Put new food in at the top.

Bedding

Worms like shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir as bedding. Make sure to spray some water on the bedding to give it a little moisture. But not too much!

The moisture content of the entire bin should feel as wet as a moist sponge that does not drip excess water whatsoever.

Feeding

If you’re just starting out, keep your worms on a raw vegetable diet. Eggshells are okay. Once you feel comfortable with the entire process, you can then start experimenting with dairy and meat products.

A Habitat

Your worm bin is in fact a little microcosm on its own. It’s a habitat. That means you’ll see other critters and things living inside that habitat. Don’t worry, they’re mostly harmless!

Things you might see:

Red Mites – tiny round bugs
Pill Bugs
Potworms – tiny white worms
Fruit Flies
Springtails – small white insects

All of these are harmless to you and your worms. Fruit flies may be incredibly annoying, so just be sure you don’t overfeed your worms, and avoid animal products too.

Starting Out >>>