Getting Started
Composting 101
Worm composting (vermiculture) can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. With just three essentials and some basic instruction, you'll be on your way to putting your organic waste to work.
1 — Worms
The stars of the show. Compost worms have their own basic needs. More info on the Composting Worms page.
2 — Worm Bin
Bins can be made from many different materials, sized to fit your space or your composting needs.
3 — Bedding
The "browns" in your bin. Purchased or recycled paper products — it eventually becomes castings too.
Box System
- Shred and moisten the bedding until it's about as wet as a wrung-out sponge.
- Add air vents to your bin if needed, then fill it about ¾ full of bedding.
- Add your worms — pull back the bedding or place them on the surface. Keep the bin under light for about 24 hours to encourage the worms to settle in.
- Start adding your organics. Bury them in a new spot every couple of days, or whenever the older organics are mostly gone. Fruit flies often signal overfeeding or unburied organics.
Flow Through System
- Start with the first tray and place a few sheets of damp newsprint on the bottom to stop the contents from falling through.
- Fill the first tray about halfway with damp bedding.
- Place a few handfuls of organics on one side and cover with damp bedding.
- Place your worms in the tray and leave in the light for about 24 hours.
- When feeding, place organics on top of the bedding and cover with fresh damp bedding. Continue until the tray is full, then add the next tray when the bottom will touch the old bedding.
- Keep building until all trays (usually 4 or 5) are full. Then harvest the bottom tray and keep going. More details on the Castings page.