Worm Compoting Wednesday

Worm Bin File Footage

I have no pictures this week because my bin needs no attending to.

This week I am going to talk about how easy it really is to start a bin. Here it goes:

1. Make a bin out of a large Rubbermaid bin (or any other brand- worms aren't too brand conscious). You can make the kind I made or just drill some holes in the bin- either works.
2. Fill bin with shredded, moist (not wet- think wrung out sponge) newspaper.
3. Add worms - I bought mine online from Red Worms For Sale but you may be able to find them at a local bait shop. Just make sure you get red wrigglers.
4. Add some produce scraps- less is better than too much. Make sure you bury them under the shredded newspaper. Do not add anything other than newspaper, cardboard or produce scraps.
5. Hands off! Only disturb the worms when adding new scraps which should only be once a week or less (I stink at this because I am always checking to make sure they are still alive).

So that is it. If your worms are trying to escape at first it is normal- they need to get used to their new home. Just leave the top off of the bin and the light on and you should have low casualties. Do not add too much food and do not add water unless the bin gets pretty dry- worms can drown (that's why you see so many on the sidewalk after a rainstorm- they were trying to escape drowning in the earth but instead succumbed to the sun drying them up).

For good information from an expert go the Red Worm Composting because you could say I am just making things up as I go along...