How to Start Your Own Worm Factory Compost Bin

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By Nicole Roberts

Starting a worm factory compost bin is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that you get rid of each week. Most of us simply throw away food waste and other items that could easily be used with a worm factory. Worms will feed on many different kinds of items that you probably just end up throwing away. Keeping a worm bin allows you to create your own compost that can be used for gardening.

1. Prepare the Worm Factory Compost Bin. There are specialized bins or trays you can use to build your worm bin or you can use a regular rubber tote or storage container. If you create your own using a storage bin, be sure to drill holes into the bin so that the worms are able to get some air. The air circulation will help your worms and your compost.

2. Making the Bedding. When you have a worm factory you need to make bedding for the worms. You don't simply fill the bin with food. You need to first create bedding made of shredded newspaper and cut up cardboard. Then dampen the bedding by spraying a bit of water on it. Be sure that it's not soaking wet, but somewhat damp.

3. Add the Worms. The two best types of worms that are used for this purpose are red worms and European nightcrawlers. You can't just use any worms because many of them won't continue to multiply and they'll simply die off leaving you with a bin and no living worms to do the work for you.

4. Feed your Worm Factory. Worms can eat just about anything. The best items to include are food waste products including fruits, vegetables and their peels, crushed up egg shells, tea bags and coffee grounds. It's best to avoid things like meat, dairy products, grains or oily foods because they can create problems like bad smell, fruit flies, maggots, etc.

5. Harvest Time. You won't need to harvest for quite some time, however, it will depend on how many worms you have and how small or large your bin is. When you notice a lot of compost - which will be found towards the bottom - you can extract it from the bin. It's best to wait until the amount of compost has almost filled the bin completely. You can remove the compost by taking out the food and bedding that's on top and then carefully going through the compost and removing any of the worms that may be in it. Then simply put the bedding and food back into the bin with the worms to create more compost over time.

If you live in a warm climate you can keep the worms outdoors but if you live in a colder climate you will need to bring the worms indoors so they do not freeze. If your worm factory compost bin is properly maintained, it will not smell. Many people like to keep their worm bin in the basement or the garage of their home. Creating your own worm factory can be a fun experience and you're helping with the environment too.

Nicole Roberts

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