How to Start a Worm Bin.

gloved hands smashing rotten pumpkin to feed red worms in a bin surrounded by soil and seeds

Red wigglers, also known as red composting worms, are great for turning organic waste into rich, nutrient-dense compost. They are a common choice for vermicomposting, which is the process of using worms to break down food scraps and yard waste. Setting up a worm bin is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Here's how to do it:

  1. Choose the right bin: You can purchase a ready-made worm bin or create your own using a plastic storage container. Choose a bin that is at least 8 inches deep, as worms need a deep bed to live in. If you are using a plastic container, drill holes in the sides and bottom for ventilation and drainage.

  2. Prepare the bedding: Fill the bin with moistened bedding material such as shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir. The bedding should be damp, but not soaking wet. Make sure to mix in some soil and compost to add beneficial microbes and nutrients to the bedding.

  3. Add the worms: Purchase red wigglers from Ojai Grow. Place the worms in the bedding and let them settle in for a few days.

  4. Feed the worms: After a few days, you can begin feeding the worms small amounts of food waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Make sure to bury the food scraps in the bedding to reduce the risk of fruit flies and other pests.

  5. Maintain the bin: Keep the bedding moist and aerated by regularly stirring it and adding fresh bedding as needed. Avoid overfeeding the worms and make sure the food is well-buried to reduce the risk of odors and pests.

  6. Harvest the compost: After several months, the bedding and food waste will have been converted into rich, dark compost. Harvest the compost by carefully sifting it from the bedding and worms. Place the worms back in the bin and start the process again.

Vermicomposting with red wigglers is a great way to reduce waste, create compost, and reduce your carbon footprint. With a little time and care, you can have a thriving red worm bin in no time!

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Food Scraps Red Worms Love to Eat.