Build Your Own Worm Composting Bin!
Worm composting is great for folks who don’t have the space or volume of waste to support larger composting systems. Worm bins can be used in apartments, offices, homes & classrooms. The worms stay in the bin & eat household scraps, & the bin gives off little odor. You can’t lose! Follow these easy steps to create your very own.
Creating Your Worm Bin with 5 Gallon Buckets:
Things you will need: Two 5 gallon buckets, a drill, shredded newspaper, red wriggler worms, dirt, & food scraps
Step 1: Drill 1/4” to 1/2” ventilation holes about an inch apart on the lid.
Step 2: Drill 1/4” to 1/2” drainage holes on the bottom of the first bucket to be placed in the second bucket. This allows for “worm tea” to be collected and used in your garden. Your plants will love it.
Step 3: Dampen the shredded newspaper and mix with soil to add to the first
bucket. This provides bedding for the worms to bury food and move about.
Make sure there is enough soil and newspaper to layer 1/3 of the bucket.
Step 4: Add your red wriggler worms to their new home.
Step 5: Place food on top of bedding and attach lid to ensure it stays dark for
your worms. They will be ready to enjoy their new home!
What You CAN Feed Your Compost Worms:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Bread
- Tea Bags
- Eggshells
- Coffee Grounds
- Leaves
Do NOT Feed Your Compost Worms:
- Meat
- Cooked Food like Pasta or Rice
- Dairy
- Fish
- Oils or Greases
- Anything too acidic like lemons or limes
- Onion
*Eggs, meats, and dairy products may smell and attract unwanted animals or pests to your bin.
**Too much citrus may kill off worm population due to high PH
