How to vermicompost or make a worm bin.

So, I have had a few people ask about the vermicomposting, or worm composting. This is something we did in my classroom years ago, as composting is part of NCs standard course of study. If you want to build one, here are some basic steps. I learned from Susan, who visited my class years ago and who graciously had us over to her house to build ours yesterday. If you are in the Raleigh, NC area, I advise you to contact her at redhen@nc.rr.com

So, you need:

1. newspaper (shredded into 1/2 inch strips… moisten with a spray bottle so they are good and damp).
2. 2- 10 gallon solid tubs (you don’t want clear… the light should not go through)
3. organic food scraps (peelings, rotting veggies/fruits, coffee grinds, etc)
4. Drill
5. a brick, piece of styrafoam, tupperware container, or something that can help leave a gap between the two containers
6. Worms (We got ours from Susan, but there are sites online where you can find them. Just search: red worms)

Drill holes in the bottom of one of the containers. We drilled about 20-30 holes.

Then drill holes along the top of the same container about 2 inches apart. This creates circulation for air for the worms.

Put the brick or whatever you are using for a spacer, in the bottom of the undrilled bin. Then nest the other in it. This creates a place to catch any moisture that drips from your bin or worms that are on the move (this happens at the beginning sometimes because they are frightened and fleeing).

Layer the drilled bin with about an inch of moist newspaper.

Put the worms, and whatever dirt they have in shipping, on top of the newspaper.

Then, place about an inch of your organic food scraps on 1/2 of the area. This will leave the other half to use the next time. If you put too much, it will not get eaten quick enough.

Cover the entire area with about 1-2 more inches of moist newspaper.

Then, leave the bin in a well lit area for 24/7. They need to get acclimated. The light detours them from wanting to escape. You can keep it in your house. It will not smell. You can put the lid on top to keep animals/kids out. I have left ours open for the moment to keep the light on them.

After a week or so you should see the pile of refuge starting to go down. Once it looks like it is being sufficiently eaten, you can put food on the other half. Do not use meats, cheeses, milk products, etc. Only plant material (fruits, veggies, etc). Don’t let the newspaper get too dry. Though the food should keep it fairly moist, it can sometimes get dry. I use a spray bottle to keep things moist and the worms happy.

Another tip: The worms need to stay between 65-80 degrees. Don’t let the bin be in the direct sun… it will kill them. If the temperature gets below 65 they will stop moving around and eating. I plan on putting our bin in the bathroom closet during the winter (though dh doesn’t know that yet! ;)).

Hope this gives you enough information!!!! Let me or Susan know if you have other questions. Good luck!!!!!