A worm bin is used for worm composting. Worm composting is the process of using worms to recycle organic material and food scraps into a useful soil amendment called “vermicompost.” Vermicompost is also called “worm compost.” When worms consume food scraps, the scraps become compost as they pass though the worms body. The compost exits the worm’s body through its tail. The result is a perfectly powerful fertilizer that can be used to help grow plants to their maximum potential. Worm compost is a powerful fertilizer mainly because worms eat nutrient packed fruit and vegetable scraps. The worm’s body then turns the scraps into nutrient-rich compost.

Worm bins also called “worm composters” vary in size based on the scale of your composting project. Some worm bins are “small scale” while others may be “large scale.” A small-scale worm bin may be homemade or purchased from a retailer. Small-scale worm bins are made of wood, plastic, metal and even Styrofoam. The preferred choices, however, are plastic or wood. Small-scale worm bins should always have holes in them to allow air to flow and for draining purposes. A small-scale worm bin is usually covered with a lid to prevent the worms from escaping.

Large-scale worm bins are just that – large worm bins. Besides size, a major difference between large scale and a small-scale worm bin is large scale bins are typically uncovered. The worms do not try to escape mainly because large-scale bins contain an overabundance of organic matter for worms to feed on. They won’t try to escape because they don’t have to go searching for food.

To create the perfect small-scale worm bin you will need several items including:

·Raw fruits and vegetables
·A shallow container (24″ X 18″ X 8″ should suffice) with a lid
·Moist Leaves
·Worms, preferably red worms such as Eisenia foetida or Lumbricus rubellus

One of the first things you should do when worm composting is to purchase the red worms, if you have not already raised several hundred on your own. Red worms can be purchased from a number of online retailers or at most plant and/or pet stores. Next, wash out the worm bin you are using. If you have a wooden bin, line the bottom of it with sturdy plastic such as a heavy trash bag or shower curtain. Mix the organic materials together and add the worms. It takes roughly 3-5 months for the worms to eat through the materials. At this time, you will notice very little materials and a hefty amount of compost. Once this happens, it’s time to harvest.

Harvesting means: do not add any food to the bin for two weeks. When two weeks has passed, simply move all of the worm bin contents to one side of the bin and remove any large pieces of undecomposed materials. Add fresh materials – leaves, fruits and vegetables, to the empty side of the bin. Over the next two weeks or so, the worms will begin to move to the side where the new materials are located, leaving their compost behind. All that is needed at this point is to remove the old compost and replace it with fresh materials. Cover the new side of the worm bin to encourage the worms to migrate to the new side.

When you are ready to use your fresh worm compost, you can use several methods of extraction, but one method in particular seems to be the most effective. Dump the entire contents of the worm bin onto a large sheet of plastic and make several piles. Once exposed to the light, the worms will quickly bury themselves in the bottom of the compost within 2-3 minutes. After a few minutes, remove the top layer of compost, leaving the worms on the bottom. Once you have removed all of the worm compost, simply collect the worms and return them to the bin.

Worm composting material is ready to use immediately or if you choose, you can store it for later use. Worm compost can be added directly into your potting soil or mixed in with your garden soil as a soil amendment. If you notice a worm or two in the compost, don’t be alarmed. This is fairly common. Worm compost use is not limited to outdoor gardening. Because the odor is not offensive, you can also use worm compost in the tops of indoor plants.

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