How to Build a Worm Composting Bin with Your Family

Learn to create an eco-friendly worm composting bin that turns kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

  1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need two plastic storage containers (one slightly smaller than the other), a drill with small bits, newspaper or cardboard, red wiggler worms (available at garden centers or online), and some soil or finished compost. Choose opaque containers since worms prefer darkness. The larger container should hold about 18-20 gallons, while the smaller one fits inside with room around the edges.
  2. Prepare the Containers. Have an adult drill small holes (about 1/8 inch) in the bottom and sides of the smaller container, spacing them every 2-3 inches. These holes allow air flow and drainage. Place the smaller container inside the larger one - the outer container will catch any liquid that drains out. Put a few bricks or blocks in the bottom of the large container to elevate the inner bin slightly.
  3. Create the Worm Bedding. Tear newspaper or cardboard into strips and soak them in water until they're as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Fill the bottom of your inner container with about 4 inches of this damp bedding. Mix in a handful of soil or finished compost to add helpful microorganisms. The bedding should feel moist but not dripping wet.
  4. Add Your Worms. Gently place your red wiggler worms on top of the bedding. Start with about one pound of worms for your bin. They'll naturally burrow down into the bedding within a few minutes. Cover them with another thin layer of damp bedding to keep them comfortable and protected.
  5. Start Feeding Your Worms. Begin with small amounts of food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells. Bury the food under the bedding in different spots each time. Avoid meat, dairy, oils, and citrus fruits which can make the bin smell or harm the worms. Feed them every few days, adding only what they can eat in a week.
  6. Maintain Your Bin. Keep the bin in a cool, dark place like a garage, basement, or shaded outdoor spot. Check weekly that the bedding stays moist like a wrung-out sponge - spray with water if it gets dry. Every few weeks, add fresh bedding and gently mix the contents. In 3-6 months, you'll have rich, dark compost ready for your garden.