Worm Composting for Kids

Moist, shredded newspaper makes ideal bedding for a worm composting bin.

If your picky eater is inclined to slip his veggies to Fido come dinner time, insist that he feed it to the worms instead. Worm composting offers kids many biology lessons and, in time, a ready supply of nutrient-rich organic conditioning material for your garden and flower beds.

Best Worms for Composting

According to Eucalyptus Magazine, red wiggler worms are the best worms for a worm compost pile. These worms, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, reproduce quickly.

Compost Container

A number of options are available to house a worm compost pile. A simple rubber storage container is ideal for a kids' project. Use a container that has greater depth than width -- no more than 18 inches deep -- according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A secure lid and holes for ventilation are the most important features of the container. It may be necessary to drill holes into a store-bought rubber container. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources suggests between 14 to 20 ¼ inch holes as a guideline.

Filling and Caring for the Worm Compost

Red worms need a comfortable place to produce their waste, and there are a few options -- torn newspaper, shredded cardboard, aged straw or leaves. Spray the bedding with water, cover it and allow it to sit for about a week before adding the worms. Add food waste to the bin. According to Eucalyptus Magazine, the worms prefer fruit and vegetable scraps. Also include cereals and clean, crushed eggshells and coffee grounds, but avoid meat and cheese scraps. Add the worms -- about 2 lbs. for every 1 lb. of scraps -- and let them feed away. Store the bin in an area where the temperature ranges between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Eucalyptus Magazine: Worm Composting Is a Hit with Kids
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Composting with Worms