Let’s talk about something squirmy, squishy, and surprisingly amazing: worm composting! Yep, we’re diving into the world of vermicomposting. That’s just a fancy word for letting worms turn your kitchen scraps into garden gold.
If you’ve ever felt guilty tossing out veggie peels or coffee grounds, this is your chance to turn that waste into something wonderful. And it’s way easier than you might think.
Why Worm Composting?
Before we dig into the “how,” let’s get clear on the “why.” Why should we even care about worms?
Because these little creatures are tiny superheroes.
- They eat food scraps and turn them into nutrient-rich compost.
- Their poop—called worm castings—is packed with goodies that make your plants go wild.
- It reduces what we send to the landfill.
- And best of all? It doesn’t smell like a rotting pile of trash.
Instead, your bin smells like rich soil. Earthy. Clean. Natural. Pretty wild, right?
What You’ll Need to Start
You don’t need much to start your own worm bin. In fact, you probably have most of it at home already. Here’s your basic checklist:
🧰 Supplies:
- A bin: Plastic storage tub with a lid (10–20 gallons is plenty to start).
- Red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida): These are the stars of the show. Regular earthworms won’t work.
- Bedding material: Shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or dried leaves.
- A drill: To make air holes.
- Spray bottle: To keep things moist.
- Food scraps: Fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, eggshells.
Optional: A second bin or tray underneath to catch any extra liquid (called worm tea, and yes—it’s amazing for plants).
Step-by-Step: Building Your Worm Bin
1. Drill Air Holes
Worms need to breathe. Use a drill to poke holes in the lid and along the sides of your bin (near the top). You don’t need a ton—just enough for airflow.
2. Make the Bedding
Tear newspaper into thin strips or use cardboard pieces. Soak them in water, then wring them out so they’re damp but not dripping. Fill the bin about one-third to halfway full with this bedding.
Toss in a handful of soil to add some grit and helpful microbes.
3. Add the Worms
Red wigglers are small but mighty. Start with about 1 pound of worms (roughly 1,000 worms). Gently place them on top of the bedding. They’ll burrow down on their own.
4. Feed Them
Start slow. Add small amounts of food scraps under the bedding—just a banana peel or some chopped lettuce. Don’t overwhelm them.
Stick to fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells. Avoid:
- Meat or dairy
- Oily foods
- Citrus
- Spicy items like onions and garlic
Worms aren’t picky, but they do have limits.
5. Maintain the Bin
Every few days:
- Add small amounts of food.
- Fluff the bedding to give it air.
- Mist it if it feels dry (think damp sponge).
In about 2–3 months, you’ll start to see dark, crumbly compost forming. That’s the magic.
Where Should You Keep Your Worm Bin?
Good news: You don’t need a backyard for this. Your bin can live in all sorts of places:
- Under the kitchen sink
- In a laundry room
- On a shady porch
- In a basement or garage
Worms like it cool and dark—between 55°F and 77°F. Avoid freezing temps or direct sun.
And don’t worry. If you keep it balanced (more on that in a sec), it won’t smell bad.
Troubleshooting: Common Worm Bin Issues
Let’s say something’s off. Here’s what might be happening—and how to fix it.
Problem: It smells bad.
Likely cause: Too much food or not enough bedding.
Fix: Stop feeding for a week. Add more shredded paper. Stir gently.
Problem: Too wet.
Likely cause: Juicy foods or poor drainage.
Fix: Add dry bedding. Stir it up. Drain excess moisture if needed.
Problem: Worms trying to escape.
Likely cause: Bin is too acidic or stressful.
Fix: Check what you’re feeding. Avoid citrus and spicy scraps. Keep the bedding moist and fresh.
Problem: Fruit flies.
Likely cause: Food is sitting on top.
Fix: Always bury food under bedding. Cover new scraps well.
Harvesting Your Compost
After a few months, your bin will be full of rich, dark compost. Here’s how to get it:
The Easiest Way:
- Stop feeding one side of the bin.
- Start feeding the opposite side.
- After a couple of weeks, most worms will migrate to the new food side.
- Scoop out the compost from the empty side.
Or, you can dump everything onto a tarp in a few piles. Worms will burrow away from the light. Scoop off the top layers until you’re left with a pile of worms at the bottom.
Use the finished compost on:
- Houseplants
- Veggie gardens
- Flower beds
- Seed starting trays
Your plants will thank you.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With Worm Composting
You start off with a simple plastic bin and a few hundred worms. But what you really get is a living system that turns waste into wonder.
You’ll start noticing how much food you used to throw away.
You’ll look forward to checking the bin.
You might even name a worm or two. (Totally normal.)
And in return, your garden gets the most powerful, natural fertilizer you could ask for.
Wiggle Into a Greener Life 🌱
Worm composting is one of those rare things that’s good for you, good for the planet, and kind of fun too. It’s small-space friendly, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying.
So let’s give those worms a warm welcome and get started.
Because when you invite worms into your home, you’re doing something amazing—one banana peel at a time.