A quick, how-to guide on how to start a worm bin.

1. Vermicomposting
Composting with
Worms
MASTER GARDENER ALEX ARCINIEGA
GARDENING IN PLACE
APRIL 2020

2. Vermicomposting
Composting with worms by feeding them organic material. In turn, worms
produce beneficial waste, called worm castings.
Worm castings are beneficial to gardens.
Typical worms for use are red wigglers,
(Eisenia fetida).

3. Why Now?
• Use the time you have at home to get a worm bin established.
• You’re cooking at home, good way to measure your weekly output.
• You can repurpose what you already have at home – buy a bin or build a bin.
• We’re all learning to garden, let’s go full circle!
• Good time to monitor a worm bin while you’re at home, and ability to make
changes before it gets too hot.

4. Ease Into Zero Waste
Don’t let not having an expensive bin hold you back

5. Additional Benefits
• Ability to redirect your food waste away from the landfill – redirect food waste.
• Redirect organic waste from landfill – reducing methane
• Place a compost collection bin next to recycling bin and trash bin.
• Make it easy on yourself
• Introduction of good bugs into the garden (beneficial nematodes)
• Benefits to your soil – increased yields of plants
• Aeration to soil

6. Great!
BUT WHERE DO I START?!
1. Find a container
2. Fill container with newspaper scraps (no color paper, no glossy paper), small
amounts of cardboard, coconut coir
3. Moisten the bin but don’t get it too wet
4. Find worms – red worms the go to option
5. Feed about once a week (I feed more often but I monitor closely)

7. What Do I Feed My Pals?
• Raw foods are the best option
• Small pieces, the smaller the better
• Faster breakdown, less smells
• No meats, no oils – typically attracts other animals
• Avoid citrus and onions

8. When do I harvest?
Food waste
becomes
smaller
Add layer to
worm condo
or start a
new bin
Start the
process over
in new bin
Harvest
existing
worm
humus

9. How do I know I’m doing it right?
• Bin should not smell – can have a slight decomposing smell but should not
STINK
• The top bin should house worms, the second slightly larger bin should catch the
liquid leachate
• Your population can double within 60 days if done correctly
• You’re keeping them at the right temperatures

10. Preventing and Fixing Issues
• Temps should be between 55-77 degrees
• Secure against pests
• Check often for insects – some are beneficial, some not. Make sure insects aren’t
outcompeting the worms.
• Avoid bad smells by maintaining a good level of moisture (not too wet, not too
dry).