How to Make a Simple Vermicompost Bin
Vermicomposting is the process of decomposing organic matter into soil using worms. Vermicompost bins are also often referred to simply as worm bins because they are essentially just small worm farms. When organic matter is placed into the bin, the worms eat it and digest it into rich, fertile compost. After the proper period of time, the compost can be removed from the vermicompost bin and placed into the garden or plant pots. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wooden container
- Drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- Shallow tray
- Bricks
- Wheel barrow
- Shredded newspaper
- Sawdust
- Leaves
- Pine straw
- Water
- Red wiggler worms
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Eggshells
- Plastic
- Bungee cord
Instructions
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1
Purchase or locate a wooden container to use as the main vermicompost bin. According to the City Farmer website, some good items to use are old dresser drawers, a wooden storage trunk, or even a barrel. Just make sure that the container is at least 8- to 12-inches high and did not previously contain anything toxic, such as chemicals.
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Turn the wooden container upside down and insert a 1/4-inch drill bit into a drill. Create approximately 10 holes that are evenly spaced on the bottom of the container. These holes allow for water drainage and prevent the vermicompost from getting soggy.
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3
Turn the bin back over and set it in a location that is cool and dark, such as a garage or a shady area of the yard. If desired, you can also place the vermicompost bin inside the house. Place a shallow tray under the container and elevate the container on two bricks to allow for water drainage.
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Fill a wheel barrow with shredded newspaper, sawdust, chopped leaves or chopped pine straw. You can also use a combination of the above items. Mix the contents thoroughly and wet them with just enough water so that they are damp.
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Pick up handfuls of the damp material and squeeze out as much water as possible so that it is not dripping. Loosen the material and drop it into the bin. Continue filling the bin with material until it is three-quarters full.
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Purchase Red Wiggler worms to place into the vermicompost bin, which are available at bait supply stores. You can also dig up Red Wigglers from manure or compost piles. You will need approximately 2 lbs. of worms to start with. Place the worms on top of the wet bedding material and allow them to burrow into it.
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Place 1 lb. of food items such as vegetables, fruits, egg shells and other plant matter into the vermicompost bin on a daily basis to feed the worms.
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Spread a piece of plastic, such as a tarp, over the top of the container and secure it by wrapping a bungee cord around the outer top of the container. Punch small holes in the plastic to allow air to get into the bin.
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Tips & Warnings
When outdoor temperatures fall below 40 degrees F, move the vermicompost bin indoors.
The soil will be ready to use in approximately two to three months.
Do not place meat or dairy items, other than egg shells, into the vemicompost bin.
References
- Photo Credit worm image by Ksenija Djurica from Fotolia.com
