How to Make a Vermicompost Worm Bin: A Family-Friendly Guide

​

By: Hope LaBonty 

​

Transform your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost with a simple and fun DIY vermicomposting bin! This guide walks you through the steps to create a worm-friendly environment that not only reduces waste but also engages your family in sustainable practices.

​

Materials Needed:

• Three buckets (two with drilled holes and one without)

• Drill with 3/8 inch and 1/8 inch bits

• Shredded newspaper and cardboard

• Kitchen scraps (avoid meat, dairy, and fatty foods)

• Red wigglers (available from local feed stores

​

Step-by-Step Instructions:

​

1. Prepare the Buckets:

   • Drill multiple 3/8 inch holes in the bottom of two buckets, spaced about an inch apart. These will allow drainage for excess moisture, also known as "compost tea," which can be collected in the bottom bucket.

   • Drill a line of 1/8 inch holes near the top of each bucket and around the lid. These smaller holes ensure proper airflow while keeping pests out.

2. Assemble the Bin:

   • Stack the buckets, placing the one without holes on the bottom to catch any drippings.

3. Create Bedding:

   • Invite the kids to help shred newspaper and cardboard into strips. This is a fun and engaging way to develop their motor skills!

   • Cut a piece of cardboard to fit snugly in the top of the bin, which will help deter pests.

4. Moisten the Bedding:

   • Layer the shredded paper into the top bucket, moistening it with water until it feels like a wrung-out sponge. Aim for about four inches of damp bedding.

5. Feed the Worms:

   • Red wigglers thrive on most kitchen scraps. Experiment to see which foods they prefer (like non-citrus fruits, leafy greens, and coffee grounds) and which they avoid (like potato skins and citrus peels).

   • Once the bedding is prepared, it's time to introduce the worms! Mix them gently into the bedding, then cover them with an additional layer of moist bedding and place the cardboard circle on top.

6. Daily Care:

   • Set up a clean bucket for food scraps on the dining table. After each meal, encourage the kids to collect scraps to add to the bin.

   • Every few days, check the bin and gently push aside the top layer to add fresh scraps, ensuring the worms have a steady food supply.

7. Harvesting Your Compost:

   • After a month, you'll start to see the benefits! The bottom layer will become "black gold" and can be harvested for your garden.

   • As the worms migrate to fresh food in the top bucket, you can begin adding new bedding and scraps, making this a continuous process.

​

Benefits of Vermicomposting:

​

• Low Maintenance: Other than occasional misting, this worm bin is easy to care for.

• Educational: Involving kids in the process fosters a sense of responsibility and curiosity about composting and sustainability.

• Garden Enrichment: The vermicompost produced is an excellent natural fertilizer for your plants!

​

With just a few materials and some family teamwork, you can create a productive vermicomposting bin that not only benefits your garden but also teaches valuable lessons about reducing waste and caring for our environment. Happy composting!