How to Raise Healthy Compost Worms

One simple way that gardeners today can help the environment, while at the same time lowering their gardening costs, is to create their own composting bins. After the initial start-up costs (such as obtaining an appropriate composting container and the required number of worms), maintaining the composting bin requires very little money and only a limited amount of effort. Maintaining healthy compost worms is the key to having a successful composting bin.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic container
• Drill
• 1/4 inch drill bit
• Drip pan
• Shredded newspaper
• Shredded cardboard
• Water
• Composting worms
• Kitchen scraps

Instructions

1. Prepare a composting bin. Plastic storage containers are ideal to use when trying to maintain a healthy crop of composting worms. The container needs to measure one square foot per pound of food scrap to be used. Drill 12 1/4-inch holes in the bottom of the bin to allow excess water to drain as well as air to enter for the worms.

2. Position the container so that it sits squarely on a raised platform, allowing air to move in and out of the composting bin. This will held to reduce any unwanted smells created by the composting bin. If desired, a drip pan can be placed beneath the bin to catch water run-off which can also be used for composting. Using this water will also be beneficial in helping to reduce water waste.

3. Shred newspaper and cardboard to serve as bedding for the worms. Cardboard is beneficial for the worms because it will retain the necessary moisture. Soak the newspaper/cardboard mixture in water for several hours and then wring out the excess water by hand. Separate the layers prior to placing it in the compost bin to allow the worms to move freely as well as to provide them with adequate oxygen.

4. Add the desired type of worms. Red worms, manure worms and tiger worms are recommended for composting. It is not recommended to use night crawlers. Do not overcrowd the container. Ideally, to maintain the health of the composting worms, add 1 pound of worms for every 1/2 pound of kitchen waste to be offered for composting.

5. Add food scraps slowly to the composting bin. Ideally the worms will feed from a variety of food scraps, helping to maintain good digestion for the worms. Foods that are ideal to add to the composting bin include fruits and vegetables with the exceptions being citrus fruits and onions. These specific foods will harm the compost worms. Coffee grounds also make a good addition to the compost bin. It is not recommended to use meat products either since they will attract unwanted pests, such as flies and rats. Dairy products are also not recommended to use for composting.

References

• Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage!