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Worm Bin Set UpIf you haven't already figured out how many worms you need, do this step first. It will also determine how big your worm bin needs to be. Worm BinsWorm bins can be made out of wood or plastic. A simple, inexpensive worm bin can be made out of a plastic storage container with a lid. If using this kind of container, make sure to use a colored plastic bin, not clear (as ultraviolet light is toxic to worms). You'll need to drill 1/4 inch holes approximately 5 inches apart on the bottom of the bin as well as around the top. For several free worm composting bin construction plans, go to the University of Wisconsin's solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center. Worm BeddingThis is what you will place in your new bin for your worms to live in. It helps maintain air movement around the worms and it's eventually something your worms will eat as well. Bedding material can be made out of: shredded newsprint (black and white only--no colored inks), decaying leaves, animal manure, wood chips and peat moss. Whichever bedding materials you use, add to it a cup or two of dirt or rock dust (finely ground rock). This will help the worms digest their food. Preparing BeddingThe end goal is to have a bin 3/4 full with moistened bedding for your worms. The amount of bedding you prepare is in direct correlation to the size of your bin. A general guideline is three pounds of newspaper for each cubic foot of bin space you have. The bedding needs to be moist, but not soggy. Aim for a 75% moisture level. For example, 7.5 pounds of newspaper would require 10 pounds of water to moisten it. Adding WormsOnce your bedding is ready, add your worms. Spread them out over the top of your bedding and keep them in a well-lit room. The lighting will force the worms down into the bedding. If, after an hour or so, there are still worms on top, pull them out and discard them. They're either dead or sick and need to be removed. Once the worms have disappeared, you can add food waste. Dig a hole in the bedding and bury your garbage. Cover your container with the lid. As easy as that, you've got yourself a composting system set up!
Here's more information about worm composting:What kind of worms do I need (and how many)?
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