We first learned about vermiculture aka worm compost bins when I was pregnant with Big Red! We attended a program through a local county parks program. We learned what worms eat and which ones were the best for composting, Red Wigglers. We got to measure our worms and begin a compost bin. The program coordinator gave each child a plastic tote with a lid. Each tote has pre-drilled holes to allow air flow to occur.
Supplies Needed:
Plastic bin with lid
Dirt
Food Scraps
Newspaper
Worm Compost Bins are a great weekend project since is does require a trip to the store for a plastic tote with a lid, garden gloves, and possibly a drill if you do not own one! Begin by saving this week’s newspaper for the start of your worm bin. Once you purchase your container you will want to drill small holes around the top and in the lid.
Line the bottom of your bin with an inch or two of dirt. Then tear your newspaper into small pieces or strips. Sprinkle water on the newspaper. You need to keep the Worms moist but not too wet!
You can dig up worm’s from your backyard with a small hand trowel if you have enough dirt in your yard. Then add your worm’s and their food.
Worm Compost Bin Food ideas:
Egg shells crushed
Coffee grounds
Fruit or veggie peels
Tea bags
Just be sure you aren’t adding too much food that your bin rots. A little bit goes a long way until your worm family grows and needs more food. Be sure to peak in your bin weekly to make sure it’s slightly moist and that there’s enough food and paper. You do not want to disturb them too much but just be sure they are alive and healthy!
After a month or so you should see all the paper and food bits have been turned into rich soil. This rich soil can be added into your garden bed after you remove the Worm ball. Start your bin again with dirt, paper, water, and food bits. Make sure to keep your worm bin in a cool dry area so that they do not over heat or drown with too much water! Some people store them under their kitchen sink or under their beds. We tend to keep our Worms outside under our plastic picnic table to keep them out of the sun but still outdoors.
I hope you have learned a little bit about Worms, composting, and something fun you could do this weekend!
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