How to Start Worm Composting at Home.

Are you tired of throwing away your food scraps and contributing to landfills? Why not start vermicomposting at home? Vermicomposting is the process of using worms to break down organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich compost. Not only does this reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, but it also creates a valuable soil amendment for your garden.

Starting a vermicomposting worm bin at home is easy and can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on your living situation. Here are the steps to get started:

1. Choose a worm bin: You can purchase a ready-made worm bin or make your own. If you're making your own, a plastic storage bin with a lid works well. Make sure it has drainage holes and a lid that can be securely fastened. For those interested in purchasing a worm bin, the VermiHut 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin is an excellent option. It's made of recycled plastic and has a spigot for easy liquid drainage.

2. Choose your worms: Red wigglers are the best type of worm for vermicomposting. You can purchase them from Ojai Grow. One Thousand worms typically is sufficient for a small household.

3. Prepare bedding: Worms need bedding to live in, and shredded newspaper, coconut coir, or shredded cardboard all work well. Moisten the bedding until it's as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

4. Add food scraps: Worms will eat most fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods, as they can attract pests and create a foul smell. Bury the food scraps in the bedding, and avoid overfeeding.

5. Maintain the bin: Worms need a healthy environment to thrive. Keep the bin in a cool, shady location and maintain a temperature between 65-77°F. Keep the bedding damp, but not too wet. Every few months, harvest the compost and add it to your garden.

Starting a vermicomposting worm bin is an eco-friendly way to reduce your household waste and create a valuable soil amendment. Here are some recommended products to get you started:

1. VermiHut 5-Tray Worm Compost Bin - https://www.amazon.com/VermiHut-5-Tray-Worm-Compost-Bin/dp/B00CQGZV7I/

2. Red Wigglers - https://ojaigrow.com/store-1/p/1000-live-red-wigglers

3. Coconut Coir Bedding - https://www.amazon.com/Coco-Coir-Brick-Premium-Environmentally/dp/B082ZQT9RN/

4. Kitchen Compost Collector - https://www.amazon.com/Full-Circle-Collector-Clean-Slate/dp/B00K6J0XOQ/

By following these steps, you can easily start your own vermicomposting worm bin and do your part in reducing waste and improving the health of your garden. Happy composting!