Red wiggler worms are popular for home composting. Red wigglers, or Eisenia foetida, eat their body weight or more in food each day. As well, worm compost, or vermicompost is more nutrient rich than compost created with bacteria and fungi.
Worm Bin Design
A worm compost bin can be made from plastic tubs, plywood, styrofoam, old dresser drawers, metal, or whatever works for you. Make sure the container has a lid to keep the red wiggler worms in the dark, keep them moist, and keep pests out.
Plastic is cheap and easy, but tends to hold water. Too much water in a bin can kill worms. The material inside the worm bin should be moist, like a wrung-out sponge.
Plywood, or any other wood, will absorb moisture but will rot over time. Metal is good in arid climates where it won't rust as quickly. Don't use galvanized steel, as lead or zinc may leach into the bin.
Styrofoam is a good choice when insulation for heat or cold is needed, but there is some question about leeching.
Building Worm Compost Bins
The quickest, easiest way to build a worm compost bin is to use a plastic tub or bin. Make sure the tub is of dark plastic and has a lid. Composting worms do not like light.
Drill 6 or 8 - 1/8" holes on the bottom, that many on the sides, and a few in the lid for good measure. This will allow for air circulation and drainage of any excess water. Place an extra tub lid or tub underneath the worm compost bin to catch any liquid drainage. Prop the worm bin up with empty paper milk containers or a couple of bricks.
Worm compost bins can also be built from wood or plywood. Scrap lumber can easily be used; be sure it's not treated lumber. The basic design is to build a shallow box with a lid and drainage and air holes. Prop up a plywood bin to allow air circulation and drainage.
Compost Worm Bedding
Composting worms will need bedding to which their food is added. Worm bedding is any natural material which is high in carbon. Suitable worm bedding materials include:
- shredded newspaper
- shredded cardboard
- straw
- leaves
- cardboard egg cartons
- peat moss
- coir fiber
Compost Worm Food
Contrary to popular belief, worms do not eat vegetative matter. Composting worms eat the bacteria that break down the vegetative matter. With that in mind, worms will compost materials faster if the materials are already beginning to break down.
To accomplish this, materials should be in small pieces. Placing worm food items in a blender or food processor works well. Worm food items can be frozen and added to the bin later.
A pre-compost bin is another way to make food items more usable to composting worms. Drill some holes in a plastic bucket with a lid. Place bin outside in case it develops an odor. Add kitchen scraps as they become available. Dig out the bottom layers of decomposing food and feed to the worms.
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