DIY Project ~ Vermicomposting in a tub in a few easy steps!

Barb Rosen
by Barb Rosen
$20
45 Minutes
Easy
Plant matter is a resource we should be keeping out of the landfills. But what do you do if you don't have the space for a compost pile or you don't want to be constantly running outside with your kitchen scraps? Vermicomposting is the answer and , even better,a worm bin is efficient when you're continually adding new material, unlike your outdoor compost pile. Composting at home in a worm tub is most suitable for smaller families and apartment dwellers, or can be used in combination with an outside composting method. A well-tended worm bin shouldn't smell, so some people will keep them in a kitchen cupboard if they're short on space or just want it handy for adding their kitchen waste. The garage or basement are also possible locations for your worm bin. (Note: do not add animal waste, bones, fats or meat to your bins or compost piles. That will make it smell and draw unwanted visitors!)
Follow the easy steps below to set up your own worm bin and begin vermicomposting at home. Set the finished lidded bin on a couple bricks on a tray to collect any drips. You will keep plant matter out of the landfill and have the benefits of compost and compost tea for your houseplants, worms for feeding birds and pet reptiles and going fishing, too!
See my blog post at http://ourfairfieldhomeandgarden.com/diy-project-vermicomposting-in-a-tub-in-a-few-easy-steps/ for more composting information and worm sources.
Red wriggler worms used for indoor vermicomposting. Did you know they can live up to 15 years?
Step # 1 ~ drill small holes on the bottom and sides and large holes on the top of a plastic storage tub
Here's a shot of the holes in the worm bin so you can see what I mean!
Step # 2 ~ crumple newspaper, then wet it, wring it out and fill the bottom of the tub this way
Step # 3 ~ add a few handfuls of peat moss or garden soil and toss gently, the add the worms and lightly toss again
Step # 4 ~ now add a few kitchen scraps. Keep the moisture at this level by adding a little water or wet plant matter if dry, shredded paper if too wet
Barb Rosen
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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7 of 121 comments
  • Donna Donna on Oct 24, 2013
    Thanks!
  • LG LG on Feb 27, 2015
    My worms crawl up the sides, mate, and then travel back down again, leaving the dropping on the side of the bin. How do I keep the worms from crawling up the side or is that what they are supposed to do? They aren't mass migrating to escape, just doing their thing and then going back down.
    • See 4 previous
    • Linda Linda on Aug 28, 2018

      If they are crawling up the side they you are likely overfeeding and the bin is getting too warm inside. Get a jar or plastic yogurt container and fill it with ice cubes. Dig down in the compost to set the jar in. Put the lid back on. That should cool things down.

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