How to Set Up a Mid-Scale Worm Farm

Earthworms can be both bait and compost producers.

Many people keep worm farms, for a range of different reasons. Worms eat kitchen scraps, while producing compost and fertilizer for the garden. They are also useful as bait, and as food for reptiles, amphibians and birds. To grow your own worms for personal use or for sale, grab some standard items and get started. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Bins (20 or 30-gallon, wood or plastic, with lids)
• Drill
• Shredded newspaper
• Garden or potting soil
• Water
• Kitchen scraps

Instructions

1. Set up your worm farms in 20- to 30-gallon bins with lids. For a larger concern, set up two to three bins and stock them for farming. Drill several holes into the body and lid of each bin for air circulation. Fill the bins with a mixture of half shredded paper and half garden soil. This combination maintains moisture and provides grit for the worms.

2. Pour water into each bin. Mix the newspaper and soil with your hands, and continue adding water until the bedding is loose and completely moistened. Don't add water until the bedding becomes muddy, but always maintain a good level of moisture in the bedding, as worms require the water to breathe.

3. Buy your stock of worms at a bait shop, worm retailer or home and garden shop. Each 30-gallon bin can support around 2 lbs of worms, so buy accordingly. Put the allotted worms into each bin and allow them to burrow into their new home. Put the bins in safe, warm places like basements or garages. If you live in a warm area, keep the bins outside with lids on to prevent birds from dining at your expense.

4. Feed worms at least once a week by folding kitchen scraps into their bedding. Water the bedding when you feed the worms to maintain consistent moisture. Keep worms at 50 to 80 degrees F for ideal growing.

5. Change out worm bedding every two to three months. Remove the worms, clean out the old bedding, and use it in your garden or sell it as compost. Harvest the large worms for any sales, put new bedding into the bins, and replace small worms and new worms into the bedding.

References

• Deq Louisiana: Making a Worm Farm
• WSU.edu: Composting with Red Worms