Compost with Worms
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
Composting with worms ("vermicomposting") is a great alternative to traditional composting because instead of having to carefully monitor heat ranges, turn the compost, etc., the worms do all the work for you! It's also extremely easy to set up a worm bin in your garage or even under your sink (we promise, they don't smell!). The best part is, within 6 months or so, you can sift the bins for worm castings and have the most amazing fertilizer for your plants!
In fact, the Bailey NPA class has six 27-gal worm bins in the classroom, and every semester our students get to sift the bins and come home with their own bags of "worm poop." Below is a step-by-step tutorial on how to set up a worm bin. You can also download a PDF version of this process here.
Supplies List
Container: 5-gallon bucket with a lid or a non-transparent storage bin.
Shredded newspaper / cardboard: This will serve as a source of nitrogen to balance the carbon you put into your bins in the form of food. Make sure you only use non-glossy cardboard and newspaper (not bleached printer paper).
Coco coir / peat moss: This soil is very fine and retains moisture, which worms need to breathe through their skin. You'll want to make sure the worm bedding is always slightly damp, like a wrung-out sponge.
Organic compost: By "seeding" your bin with compost, you are introducing good bacteria into your bin and helping kickstart the decomposition process. Worms feel more comfortable with some good bacteria buddies in their home.
Dried leaves / grass / hay: This is another source of nitrogen and normally also has some organic materials and bacteria for your bin. Just make sure it has not been treated with any chemicals or pesticides.
Setting Up
Prep Your Bin
Drill small holes along the side of your bin to allow for air flow (make sure the lid doesn't cover them).
If you want to ensure extra protection against any other decomposers getting in (like pill bugs or springtails), you can even cover the holes with window screen material. (However, pill bugs and springtails are great composters too and normally indicate a healthy environment.)
Place bin in an area where the soil will stay between 50-80°F.
Prep Your Bedding
Use several types of bedding for the best results.
Add compost to kick start the “beneficial bacteria” to (1) assist with food decomposition and (2) provide grit for worm digestion.
Add water or damp shredded cardboard until the bedding the has consistency of wrung-out sponge.
Fill up only 25% of your bin with bedding to start. (You’ll add more brown materials with each feeding so the worms can migrate upwards.)
Introduce Worms
Most vermicomposting vendors sell red wiggler worms (we bought ours from Austin Worm Lab).
For a 5-gallon bucket, you'll want between 0.5 to 1 pound of composting worms (roughly 500–1,000 red wigglers). For a 27-gallon storage bin (we use the black ones with yellow lids from Home Depot), you'll want to start with 1 to 2 pounds of composting worms (roughly 1,000–2,000 worms).
The more worms, the faster the composting — but you don't want to crowd them! Keep in mind that they'll also breed over time.
Introduce composting worms by placing them on top of pre-moistened, shredded bedding (paper/cardboard) in a prepared bin, leaving the lid off under a light for an hour to encourage burrowing. Allow them to acclimate for 2–7 days before feeding lightly, ensuring the bedding is damp like a wrung-out sponge.
Feeding Your Worms
Check your bin weekly and add green foods only when 80% of the previous food is gone. (See food checklist below.)
Add 1-2 inches of shredded cardboard/newspaper with each feeding. (It’s better to under-feed than overfeed, which can cause odors, pests, excess moisture, and sick worms.)
Food List
Always Foods: Most fruits and vegetables, tea and coffee grounds, egg shells
Sometimes Foods: Citrus fruits, onions and garlic, potatoes, rice/grains/bread
Never Foods: Spicy peppers, meat/dairy/eggs, processed foods, treated paper/cardboard, soiled paper like napkins/pizza boxes
Pro Tips
Place food in small piles to (1) make it easier for worms to find the food and (2) help you identify how quickly it’s being eaten.
Worms will break down soft, wet foods (melon, strawberry, peach) faster than dry, denser foods (carrot, broccoli, banana peel).
To accelerate composting, dice food or blend it into a slurry.
If food isn't providing enough moisture in your bin, add damp shredded cardboard/paper.
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