10 Steps to Starting a Simple Worm Bin

1. Find a used or buy a Rubbermaid container.

2. Drill several holes around the bin at the top so the worms have some air to breath.

3. Soak shredded newspaper and cardboard in water overnight, in a different container. I’ve found that wetting the papers down versus soaking them overnight that the paper tends to dry out faster. And a dry worm bin is not a good thing.

4. Take handfuls of the shredded paper and squeeze out the water so the handful is sponge wet and add to Rubbermaid container. Repeat until bin is full.

5. Sprinkle pureed eggshells across the top of the paper.

6. Add Worms, either Red Wigglers or European Nightcrawlers. This system is not for earthworms.

7, Bury a small amount of chopped food in the bottom corner of one bin.

8. Monitor the food consumption so you won’t overfeed and will know how much food to add weekly.

9. Check the bin’s moisture levels daily for the first month. There should not be standing water in the bottom and paper should be sponge wet.

10. Aerate the bin monthly by moving putting your hand in the bottom of the bin and scooping upward. This is more important when the bin has more finished vermicompost.

For more information worm farming, be sure to check out these Omaha composting articles on the best composting worms and other styles of worm farms for composting and gardening in Omaha.