How to Compost With Worms at Home
- 1). Choose a bin that is no more than 18 inches deep. Any deeper and the bedding may mat down. The worms eat near the top layer. Estimate the size of your bin based on the amount of people and kitchen scraps you use. For example, a family of four that eats at home most of the time should be okay with a 2 foot by 3 foot bin. Make sure it has adequate surface area for maximum "breathing" room.
- 2). Drill 14 to 20 holes in the bottom of your bin if it is plastic. For wooden bins, drill about 10 to 15. This will allow maximum air flow into your compost worm bin.
- 3). Set the bin on cement blocks, bricks or pieces of wood to keep it off the ground, allowing maximum air flow. Lay plastic sheeting or a pan under the bin to catch any drainage.
- 4). Fill the bin three-quarters full of moist bedding. This can be any mixture of shredded paper, cardboard, dry leaves or straw. Use minimal amounts of leaves or straw to prevent rot. Periodically sprinkle crushed egg shells and small amounts of sand in to provide grit for the worms' digestive tracts.
- 5). Add red worms to their new home. Just sprinkle them over the top of the bedding and they will burrow down to escape the light. You will need about 2 pounds of worms for a 2 foot by 3 foot bin.
- 6). Feed the worms by lightly spreading the kitchen scraps over the top of the bedding. Start with smaller amounts of kitchen scraps to get the bin going and add more as the bin becomes more established. "Feed" the bin at least once or twice per week.
- 7). Harvest the compost after a few months, and then regularly after that, by shining a bright light into the bin. This makes the worms want to dig deeper to get away from the light. Then scoop out the top layer of compost and replace with new moistened bedding and scraps. Make sure to put any worms or worm eggs that come with it back into the bin. Use the compost as fertilizer and enjoy.
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