Whether you use a ready-made indoor worm bin or build your own, it's all about the right combination of ingredients, moisture, aeration and temperature.
For manufactured worm composting bins, follow instructions provided by the product manufacturer.
You can also make a worm bin from a 5-gallon (or larger) opaque plastic tub with lid. The tub should be no more than 18” deep. This type of worm composting bin is primarily for use indoors, so has no insulation. If kept outside, it should be protected from direct sunlight and flooding as well as very hot or very cold temperatures.
Construct the Worm Bin
Using a drill, create small holes in the top half of the side of the bin, on each of the 4 vertical sides. (Follow manufacturer’s instructions and all safety precautions when using a drill.). These are the aeration holes which allow air to circulate through the bin. Do not make holes in lid. When air evaporates, it rises. We want it to condense on the lid and fall back into the bedding, not escape through air holes.
I do not recommend holes in the bottom of the worm bin.
When I feed my worms, I pull bedding away from one of the sides to check the bottom for run-off. There usually isn’t any. If I find some accumulation, I add shredded paper to soak up the excess moisture. This ensures that the worms will have moisture if, for some reason, I am away from the bin longer than usual. A small amount of liquid in the bottom of the bin does not present a problem, since worms can crawl up into the bedding to get away from it.
If you find later that your bin is generating excess runoff, you can make holes in the bottom of the worm composting bin for drainage. If you choose to do this, you must place something under the bin to catch the run-off. Make sure the container is substantial enough to catch as much discharge as you believe your bin will generate. Also, be diligent in checking your bin for adequate moisture, since a bin with drainage will dry out faster than one without.
If you opt for a ready-made indoor worm bin, you may consider this Down Under Redworm Farm.
Prepare the Bedding
Bedding consists of loose, high-carbon materials that provide a moist habitat. It can be made from shredded paper, newspapers, or brown grocery bags. Tear the newspaper or bags into long strips about two inches wide. Soak the strips or shreds in water until saturated. Wring out until the paper is no longer dripping when gently squeezed. Then separate strips so that the paper is “fluffy” again. Place loosely in the bin until it is almost full.
Choose a Good Location for Your Worm Bin
Choose an area that will remain at a moderate temperature, out of direct sunlight, where the bin will not be disturbed. Many people put their worm composting bins under the kitchen sink or in the garage. Avoid areas with strong odors such as pine cleaners or ammonia, as well as areas that are very hot or cold, or are excessively noisy. Ensure there is open space on all sides of the bin so that air can circulate.
Add Sand, Food, and the Worms
Add a handful of sand or dirt to bin. This grit helps the worms chew since they don’t have teeth. Put a handful or two of coffee grounds or vegetable scraps into the bin, covered with bedding.
Garden worms can’t live in a bin, so get red wigglers from a garden center, bait shop, or another vermin-composter. Set the open container of worms on its side, down in the bedding. Replace the bin’s lid. The worms will move out of their original container when they are ready.
You will need to feed them in about two weeks. In the meantime, save vegetable and non-citrus fruit scraps in a covered bucket.
Mary Tynes, Master Composter, www.mastercomposter.com
TOP LEFT Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/4110628593/
TOP RIGHT: Down Under Redworm Farm
Do you think the sand used when mixing cement is okay? Also, how would I advertise on a site like yours for the San Diego area. There aren’t many worm ranchers here and I need to start selling! thanks david
The sand used when mixing cement is the sand worms like. I usually get medium coarse if there’s a choice. I find that worms aren’t that crazy about sand sold for sandboxes, presumably because it has been over-processed. Hint: To find the right sand for worms at home improvement centers, don’t look in the garden center but instead go to the cement aisle. That’s where the good sand is.
Gosh, I wish I would have had that ionfrmtaion earlier!