And only two steps require much thought: choosing a bin and finding the best worms.
Read on to learn how you might set up your own indoor worm bin and start vermicomposting.
What is vermicomposting?
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Vermicomposting refers to the process of using worms to process organic matter into compost for fertilizing plants.
Red worms live and eat in the top 6 to 8 inches of material.
Items to avoid are lemon, lime, orange, or other citrus peels and juice.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Highly acidic foods will make the compost acidic, which might not be suitable for all gardening situations.
Benefits of Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is a great way to produce high-quality fertilizer at home.
Earthworms are much more effective at further breaking down organic matter that has already decomposed somewhat.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Go with redworms, or red wigglers, as they are also known, for a successful worm bin.
If you use newspaper, shred about 50 sheets into thin (1-inch-wide) strips.
Cardboard and coir are also suitable bedding materials.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
If you are using cardboard, tear it up into pretty small pieces.
Moisten the Bedding
It is best to use dechlorinated water for your worms.
Place your bedding material into a clean bucket or tub and add water.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The chlorine in the water will dissipate, leaving your water free of chlorine.
Add the material to a clean bucket or tub to moisten the bedding and pour water in.
Mix the water into the bedding well, adding a little at a time.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The bedding material should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
Dump the bedding into the bin, and fluff it up a bit.
The worms should be able to wriggle easily through the bedding.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Break up any large clumps of bedding.
Add a shovelful ofgarden soilor finished compost to your bedding if possible.
Scatter them gently onto the bedding, and cover up the container.
Find a Home for Your Worm Bin
Where you place your bin is significant.
It should be kept in an area between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures outside this range can harm the worms and slow production in the bin.
Worms do not like vibration and may give a shot to escape the bin.
Do not place the container near washing machines, clothes dryers, or dishwashers.
Place the bin in a convenient spot.
Every household is different, but prime spots include kitchen cabinets, mudrooms, and basements.
After that, your worms are ready to go to work.
Simply collect scraps as you have them, and add them to the bin.
Protect it from children and pets.
Vermicompost tends to have more nutrient content and does a better job at improving soil moisture retention.
Vermicomposting is also usually a faster process.
Vermicomposting can sometimes add too much moisture to the soil, which can lead to too much fungal growth.
