Materials Needed to Getting Started
To begin worm composting, you'll need the following items:
- Redworms or Red Wigglers (other worms do not eat garbage)
- Dark box with holes for air and drainage
- Worm bedding (potting soil or wet, shredded newspapers)
- Room-temperature area to house worm composting area
Items Worms Will Eat
- Apples
- Bread
- Cereal
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Egg shells
- Fruits and vegetables
- Houseplant trimmings
- Onions
- Orange peels
- Tea leaves and bags
Items Worms Will Not Eat
- Dairy products
- Fat
- Meat products
- Bones
- Non-organic materials (plastics, etc.)
Tips for Successful Worm Composting
- Keep the bedding moist at all times.
- Bury the food waste in the soil, as worms work below ground.
- Do not put spoiled food in the bin to avoid odors.
- Keep the worms in a warm area (55-70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal).
- Worms will eat up to six pounds of food per week.
Harvesting the Compost
Remove food from the bin and push the compost to one side. Place new bedding on the other side, and bury the food in the new bedding. Worms will migrate to the food in the new bedding. Remove the compost from the bin, mix with potting soil, and use for your house plants!