how do you make a worm composter

Worm Composting: How to Make a Wormery

• Making a Wormery. Choose trays or boxes to make your wormery with. ...
• Looking After Your Composting Worms. Add food a little at a time to the top of the compost. ...
• Using Worm Compost and Worm Wee. The worm compost, known as worm castings or vermicompost, makes a great all-purpose soil conditioner, or add them to your own potting mixes to ...

Full Answer

How to start a home worm composting system?

• Place a layer of heavy newspaper on top of the bricks. ...
• Pile the tires on top of each other, with the first tire on the Sunday newspaper. ...
• Fill the entire wormery with organic material (semi-composted is best). ...
• Use a piece of board weighed down with bricks as a lid. ...
• Harvest a tire's worth of fertilizer roughly every 8 weeks (during warm months).

Which worm is best for composting?

Which Species of Worms Are Good for Vermicomposting?

• Red Wiggler. Composting worms types often are made up of red wigglers. ...
• European Nightcrawler. The European nightcrawler is popular for composting and fishing bait. ...
• Indian or Malaysian Blue. ...
• African Nightcrawler. ...

What are the best worms for worm composting?

What are the most common types of worms?

• The Red Wigglers. The most common worm that you will be told to get for your vermicomposting bins, red wrigglers, is native to several countries worldwide.
• Reg Tiger Worms. The first choice of vermicomposters, the regular tiger worm, has stripes across its body while maintaining a rust-brown color.
• African Nightcrawlers. ...

How to make a homemade worm compost bin?

You will need:

• One 14 – 20 gallon plastic storage tub with a lid
• A drill and drill bit (any size close to ½ inch)
• LOTS of shredded newspaper (way more than you think!)
• A bucket of water
• ½ to a pound (or more) of red wigglers (Eisenia Fetida is the scientific name). You can order them online here.

How do you make worm compost at home?

Combine shredded paper, soil and just enough water to dampen everything. Put the mixture into the tall bin and fill the bin about three inches deep. Add your worms to the mixture and let them get used to it for a day before feeding them. Make sure the mixture is very moist, but not forming puddles of water.

How do you make a worm bin step by step?

Step 1 - Paper. Wet your paper and squeeze out any excess moisture. ... Step 2 - Soil. Spread soil over the paper about 1 - 2 inches deep. ... Step 3 - Worms. Add the worms. ... Step 4 - Food Scraps. Bury the kitchen scraps in the bin. ... Step 5 - Let It Mellow. Cover the bin with a tight-fitting lid and let the worms get to work.

How do you make a simple worm farm?

0:176:11How to Make a Worm Bin | Easy DIY Worm Farm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe holes at the bottom of the bin are ready. So to get started we're going to add a layer of dirtMoreThe holes at the bottom of the bin are ready. So to get started we're going to add a layer of dirt at the bottom of the tote. And that is to deter any pests from entering into the tote.

How long does it take to make compost with worms?

Worms Work FAST: Worms can convert most kitchen scraps to finished compost in less than two weeks. Worms Work ALL WINTER LONG: Keep a worm bin in your basement, garage or pantry (above 55 degrees and below 80 degrees F) and your worms will keep making compost right through the winter months.

What is the best soil for worms?

loamy soilEarthworms need moisture to live since their bodies are 80% water, but because they breathe through their skin, too much water can drown them. Soil Texture. They prefer loamy soil. Overly sandy soil is abrasive and dries out too quickly.

What makes the best worm bedding?

Instead of soil, composting red worms live in moist newspaper bedding. Like soil, newspaper strips provide air, water, and food for the worms. Using about 50 pages, tear newspaper into 1/2" to 1" strips. Avoid using colored print, which may be toxic to the worms.

Can worms eat banana peels?

Bananas are a great and inexpensive snack for both us and our worms. Those peels are desirable to compost worms no matter what shape they're in. They'll make short work of what otherwise would have taken up space in your trash.

How can I make a worm farm for free?

0:216:12Three easy ways to build a worm farm - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlants. Today I want to show you three different ways that you can get farming worms for free. ThisMorePlants. Today I want to show you three different ways that you can get farming worms for free. This is my basic free-range worm farm you might have one behind the shed it's just a plastic pot.

Are earthworms the same as compost worms?

The main difference between earthworms and compost worms is that earthworms are burrowing, segmented worms that are important for aerating and draining the soil whereas compost worms are the red surface-dwelling worms used in composting.

Should I add water to my worm farm?

Worms love an environment with a moisture content of 70% or more. Food wastes usually contain about 80 per cent water and this will be released as the worms break down the food scraps. However, it will remain in the bedding for a long time before eventually draining out, so it's important to add water as well.

How many worms should I put in a compost bin?

For most average sized domestic worm bins, we would suggest you start with 1 lb. (approximately 800 - 1000) mixed sized worms. If the worm bin is larger, or you are composting food scraps for four or more adult persons, we would recommend 2 lbs. of worms.

Can you put bread in worm compost?

Yes, in moderation, bread, and in fact, all grain based foods, are worthy of your worms' processing power. Stale bread remains just as full of nutrients and building blocks for worm growth as the fresh stuff.

How do you make a wooden worm bin?

4:2030:53How to Build the Ultimate Plastic Free Worm Composting Bin with Farmer ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're going to need half-inch hardware cloth cut to the size of the frame that you're making so thisMoreWe're going to need half-inch hardware cloth cut to the size of the frame that you're making so this one again is 16 inches by 2 feet. And then we have the actual 2x4 lumber to make the frame.

How do you start a worm bed?

Shred a bunch of newspaper to use as bedding, moisten it, and layer it into the worm bed. Add your worms, then start adding your food scraps. Keep it moist, but not too wet, and add food regularly. In time, your worms will start reproducing, and you'll have an army of worms working on your behalf.

How do you make a worm farm out of a bucket?

InstructionsDrill Bottom Holes. In two of the buckets, drill 3/16-inch holes in the bottom, about 1 inch apart. ... Drill Side Holes. ... Prepare the Lid. ... Assemble the Vermicomposting Bin. ... Cover the Bin. ... Add the Third Bucket. ... Harvest the Compost. ... Repeat the Process.

How do you make an outdoor worm bin?

InstructionsDrill 10 to 15 holes in the bottom of one of the buckets. ... Add several handfuls of kitchen scraps to the bucket.Place the red wigglers on top of the kitchen scraps.Shred newspaper. ... Put the bucket with the worms inside the second bucket and put on the lid.More items...•

How often should I use worm compost?

Once every few months, scoop the liquid out of the lower container and use it as fertilizer outside on soil near plants, or water it down to use on indoor plants. When the worm bin is full (i.e., when the compost reaches the bottom of the top holes you drilled), do the following:

When to harvest compost for worms?

You can also scoop compost and worms onto a newspaper and sort them out, but this is a bit messier. Be sure to harvest compost at the end of the week, before you feed the worms again.

How to get rid of fruit flies in worm bin?

Throw in a small handful of shredded paper. Add all the food scraps on top of the paper. Cover ALL of the food scraps with dirt and moist paper. Exposed food attracts fruit flies, but covered food scraps don’t. Add dirt and moist paper to the bin until the worms have made enough compost to use to cover the food scraps.

How to make a worm puddle?

Combine shredded paper, soil and just enough water to dampen everything. Put the mixture into the tall bin and fill the bin about three inches deep. Add your worms to the mixture and let them get used to it for a day before feeding them. Make sure the mixture is very moist, but not forming puddles of water.

How to get worms to thrive on paper?

A little bit of water – Some water is needed to moisten the paper and dirt to create a comfortable medium for the worms to thrive. Soak the paper and then drain it before using. 8. Worms – A pound of red wrigglers are recommended because they consume waste quickly, but earthworms also work.

What to do if you have too many worms in your yard?

If there are too many worms in the worm bin, share extras with friends and family or release some with the dirt in your yard.

What do worms eat?

Also, it may take the worms longer to process woody or dry items like stems or the outer layer of onions. Worms will eat paper as long as it is thin or cut into small pieces, but they will not eat plastic or fabric tea bags, coffee filters or the labels placed on produce by grocery stores.

My Composting Goals

For the garden, I need to up my compost production by a LOT. To be honest, I’ve never fully mastered composting and I want to start making enough compost at a fast enough clip to never have to buy any. Without major farm animals, this is going to be tricky, but I do have bunnies and will eventually have chickens at least.

The New Composter

2 opaque (not clear) storage bins at least 10 gallons in size with at least 1 lid

Photos cause I no explain good

Bottom bin holes for drainage. Notice there are holes in lowest ridges of the bins bottom where moisture would collect.

Hope this was clear?

This is my first time trying to explain how to do a DIY thing and I hope it wasn’t a complete muddle! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!

How to make a compost bin?

Put a moist sheet of cardboard on top and then cover with a lid that has more ventilation holes drilled into it. Place the bin in a cool, but not cold, location indoors or out. Keep the mixture moderately damp, but not soggy.

Why do we compost worms?

Worm composting is an easy way to reduce landfill pollution and provide juicy, rich soil for your plants. It is especially suited for the apartment or condo dweller who has limited space. Worm composting bins abound at nursery centers and online, but they are easy and cheaper to assemble yourself.

What are worm bins?

Types of Worm Bins. Bottomless bins are one type of vermicomposting system, which is used for building earthworm boxes. You can also use plastic containers, wooden boxes or even bamboo. Avoid containers of metal, which leach into the soil and increase mineral concentrations. The most basic types of worm bins are single layer.

What is vermi composting?

Vermicomposting is the term for worm composting bins. There are many types of worm bins for purchase, but you can also make your own worm bins. You can take advantage of the natural earthworms in your soil by building earthworm boxes. These are similar to vermicomposting bins, but have no bottom so the earthworms can burrow up into ...

What do earthworm boxes do?

The purpose is to contain your kitchen scraps and prevent animals from digging in them and yet allow the worm’s access to the food.

How much food do worms eat?

Feed the worms your food scraps slowly until you see how much they can eat. One pound (0.45 kg) of worms can consume ½ pound (0.23 kg) of food scraps per day. The worms multiply quickly, so you will gradually have enough worms to handle larger amounts of kitchen scraps.

How to keep fruit flies away from bedding?

Avoid giving them dairy, meat, fatty items and animal waste. Keep the food buried in the bedding to reduce fruit flies and moisten the paper frequently but lightly.

What is a worm composter?

A wormery (or worm composter) is an inexpensive project that will produce nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertilizer. Wormeries don’t smell, are great for small gardens, and are a fun way for kids to learn about composting.

How to get worms to migrate up through a compost tray?

In the top two trays, drill quarter inch holes about every two inches all over the base of both trays. The holes will allow the liquid produced by the worms to drip down into the collection tray at the bottom. Once a tray is full of worm compost, worms will migrate up through the holes into a new tray.

How to get worms to settle in a wormery?

They spread a layer of kitchen waste on top—no more than a couple of inches thick to start with. You can also place a layer of burlap on top to keep your worms extra cozy. Leave the wormery for a week before adding any more food to allow the worms to settle into their new home.

What is a wormery?

A wormery is made up of at least two compartments. The bottom compartment collects any liquid that is produced. The top compartment is where the worms live and eat, and is also where your compost will be made. Using three trays instead of two makes it easier to collect the worm compost. Your wormery will also need a lid to prevent it from drying out, or flooding during rain.

What to put on worms to keep them away?

Add small amounts of vegetable and fruit scraps at a time, otherwise there may be an odor that will attract flies. Don’t add meat or other animal products. Large amounts of citrus peel and alliums like onion and garlic will make conditions too acidic for your worms. You can add small amounts of weeds and leaves, and shredded, non-glossy newspaper or torn-up cardboard.

What are worms good for?

Wonderful wiggling worms are the starting point to healthy soil and can create truly awesome compost. Put worms to work in your garden by making your own wormery. It’s easy and will yield nutritious worm compost to enrich your soil. In this short video, we’ll show you how to make a wormery.

How Does Worm Composting Work?

The composting process is straightforward. Put simply, it uses worms to recycle your kitchen scraps and other organic materials into vermicompost – a rich and valuable soil amendment perfect for use in the garden. It also produces a concentrated form of liquid fertilizer.

What is the function of worms in composting?

While regular composting uses micro-organisms to break down carbon-containing waste, in a worm factory, worms perform this function. They break down organic material much faster than micro-organisms. Worms digest scraps and convert them into worm castings.

What Will You Need To Set Up A Worm Bin?

Setting up a worm bin couldn’t be easier. Here is what you’ll need to get started:

What Can You Feed Your Worms?

It’s best to feed your red wriggler worms a balanced diet. Worms eat fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds and tea bags, small amounts of newspaper, and small amounts of garden waste.

What are worms used for?

Worms are an efficient way of turning kitchen and garden scraps into nutrient-rich compost and liquid fertilizer.

What temperature should worms be?

Used correctly, the bin and bedding should help to regulate this temperature. For happy worms, you want to keep your bin above 54 degrees and below 80 degrees.

Why do people keep worm bins outside?

Many people prefer to keep their worm bins outside because there’s more space. Outdoor bins will require moving into a shelter in the winter months (whether inside the house or into a shed or barn).

What is a worm composter?

A worm composter is, at its simplest, a bin with holes for ventilation and moisture. It’s almost always made with plastic and raised off the ground to allow water to drain out the bottom. For indoor worm bins, this is done with a plastic storage bin or tote with a lid. Simply drill a series of holes in the sides and bottom a few inches apart, ...

How long does it take to compost worms?

Worm composting, also known as vermicomposting or vermiculture, produces natural, odor-free compost that takes about 30 minutes per week to maintain.

Why Compost With Worms?

The good news is that you can harness this incredibly efficient composting power for yourself and change the way your family disposes of waste, with very little investment of time and money . A homemade worm composter costs about $30 and a luxurious store-bought worm hotel usually won’t cost more than $150. If you consider the cost of purchased organic fertilizer for your garden, even the most expensive composter could pay for itself in one growing season.

Where Should You Put Your Worm Bin?

We’ve talked about both inside and outside worm bins above, but they both have their pros and cons in any climate. When your bin is outside, there are two big benefits: capacity and a lot less attention to detail. You can put your worms out there and not have to worry so much about getting it just right, because it won’t matter if it smells a little more. But if you live anywhere other than very warm climates, your worms will either die in the winter or you’ll have to bring them inside anyway.

Where Can I Use Worm Compost?

Worm compost can be used like any high-nutrient fertilizer: sprinkle on the surface of the soil or mix in around plants , but be careful not to add too much because it can burn tender stems.

Why is it important to know how many worms you should be getting?

It’s important to know how many worms you should be getting, because your worm bin could fail without this information . Twice my own worm bins had a fly infestation that compromised the bin. I couldn’t figure out why. It turned out that two different companies severely shorted me on the quantity of worms, because I had no idea what a pound of worms should look like. The result was that I put in far too much food for the worms, and the waste rotted and bred flies.

Why do worms crawl out of my bin?

This will include moisture, temperature, and possibly even infestations. If the bin is too dry, add some water. If it’s too wet, add more bedding.

How long does it take to make compost?

Using a screen should only take 30 to 60 minutes. Making mounds takes a day, mostly waiting time. Tray-based composting bins might only take 10 minutes.

What temperature should composting worms be?

The worm bin and bedding help regulate the temperature. When the air temperature is below 54 degrees Fahrenheit, worms slow down. Below freezing, they can die. Above 84 degrees can cook the worms.

What is the most common mistake in worm bins?

Mistake #1: Overfeeding. Enthusiastic worm bin owners toss every available scrap into the bin. The worms cannot keep up. The bin starts to smell terrible! In theory, worms can eat their weight in scraps per day. However, that number might be lower, depending on air temperature and other factors.

How to check moisture in worm bin?

Too dry, and the worms dehydrate, cannot breathe, and can’t tunnel effectively. The easiest way to check worm bin moisture levels is by picking up a handful. Squeeze it. If water comes out, it’s too wet. Worm bin bedding should have the feeling of a wrung-out sponge. See our instructions for drying out a wet worm bin.

What is the best fertilizer for worm castings?

Avid gardeners eagerly look forward to removing finished compost from their worm bin. Fresh “black gold” is the best organic fertilizer to make plants grow. Gardeners mark the days until the worm castings are ready for harvesting. However, non-gardeners typically focus on reducing trash and odor.

What do worms eat?

Whole cabbages and watermelon rind halves will take too long to break down. Processed food, meat scraps, salty snacks, spicy foods, oily sauces, yogurt, pineapple, and bushels of tomatoes can spoil the bin. Most non-food items are also bad ideas.

When can you harvest compost?

Compost can be harvested: at the start and end of the growing season. whenever it is getting full. as needed, if the worms have been in the bin for at least three months and there are extra worm castings inside. If you have more “black gold” than you need, donate it to a local gardening project or neighbor.

What You Need

Preparing The Bins

See all 3 tips on www.wikihow.com

Preparing The Paper, Soil, Water Medium and Adding The Worms

Feeding The Worms

Maintaining The Bin