How to Build a Worm Farm to Make Compost

Growing a garden can be a rich and rewarding hobby, as well as being a great way to exercise and feed a family for less. Get the most out of your garden by fertilizing it with your own home-grown compost compliments of a worm farm.

Things You'll Need

• A Sturdy Container
• Red Worms
• Grass Clippings
• Newspaper
• Leaves
• Clean Soil
• Drill
• Garbage

Instructions

1. Build or choose an appropriate container for your worm farm. The worm's environment will be made up of compost. It should be six to twelve inches deep. It should also have one square foot of space, per pound of garbage you plan to put in the compost per week.

2. Drill several holes in the bottom and sides of the container. Make sure there is room underneath to ensure adequate draining and ventilation of the compost. Place some bricks or pieces of wood underneath if necessary.

3. Fill the container two-thirds of the way with leaves, clippings, old newspaper and grass. Dip everything in clear water, or spray with a water bottle before putting it in the compost bin.

4. Put some soil into the container on top of the compost.

5. Fill the container with an adequate supply of red worms, according to the size of your container. Search your backyard or visit a local bait shop to find some.

6. Cover the container with a lid strong enough to keep out rain and predators.

7. Continue over time to add small amounts of water to keep the compost moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the compost in a cool, dry place. It should never be put in direct sunlight.

• To add garbage, lift up some of the bedding and put the garbage under it. Replace the bedding.

• Never put meat, animal feces, grease or dairy products in compost.

• Start with small amounts of garbage at first. Gradually add more every week.