2. Rest the tub with holes in another tub without holes (to catch any seepage). Drill holes at the top for air.
3. Then, fill ‘er up. I started with a layer of shredded cardboard.
Then a little bit of peat moss (recommended at the class) and some shredded newspaper (not the glossy sections). I wet down the newspaper after it was in the bin (not pictured). The worms need moisture, so make sure you soak the paper or add it.Then some food. At first, I added some shredded lettuce that was past it’s prime and some other odds and ends. You can add almost everything that grows in the ground. I was told to avoid onions, bread and other carbs, egg shells (unless they are crushed) and any meat or dairy.
Then I put the worms in there. They aren’t just any worms – they are red compost worms. I purchased them from a local place that sells them. You can also order them online. They don’t like the light.
Since this didn’t come close to filling it up, we just keep our scraps in this little compost bin that I scored at Salvation Army. Then, we add it to the bin about once a week. When we add food, we also add a layer of wet newspaper or paper to neutralize it. This keeps it from smelling. Sometimes I wet it down if it’s dried out. If any liquid seeps out the bottom, I add it to my plants (compost tea).
It’s pretty non-conspicuous.It’s so simple, I can’t believe we didn’t start sooner. We have definitely been able to save a lot of scraps that would have gone in the garbage. Plus, we are making great fertilizer for our plants – sans chemicals.
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Leigh says
Wow, that is a great for your garden, even if it is a little gross. 🙂 We had a class at my school do this, and they kept the worms in the library.
Keri says
Yay for starting composting! I have been so bad about it ever since the husband built me a new composter (its farther away now, I need to get back on the train!
What does your little bin that you keep in the house look like? Does it get gross? Smell??
ashley morgan says
I’ve thought about doing this before, but what has stopped me is that like a pet, they have to be fed while you’re on vacation. And while I think I could handle it, I don’t know about asking someone else to do it for us when we’re out of town. Keep us updated though. I’m very curious about it.
Madeline says
You are such a better woman than I am!!!! Seriously!! I bow down to you when it comes to your veggie garden, but this takes the cake! I wish I could do this…but I dunno. Worms really gross me out. But you made it look so easy.
Lindsey says
What a great tip!!
Emily says
You guys are awesome. Love the worms. I wonder if I would actually stick to this…
Mrs. Dirnberger says
Oh man…I don’t know if I could mess with worms but props to you for doing it!
Kim says
Great tip, Karina. I will definitely try that. I haven’t had noticible problems with fruit flies, but any help I can get would be great.
Thanks for commenting.
Karina says
I’ve been reading for a few weeks but I haven’t commented yet…apparently it takes worms to get me talking! I’ve been vermicomposting since last spring, and I’m really amazed at how not gross it is. We actually have our bin inside with no problems. One tip I’ve learned is to freeze and/or microwave (I do both) the scraps before you put them in the bin. It kills any fruit fly eggs that might be lurking and it also helps the food break down faster. I hope your bin continues to work well!