Easy Indoor Worm Composting Bin Setup

Indoor worm composting is a fantastic way to teach your kids about sustainable living while creating nutrient-rich compost for your plants. Known as vermicomposting, this process involves using worms to break down organic waste. Here’s how to set up an indoor worm composting bin in a few simple steps.

1. Choose a suitable container

Select a plastic or wooden container with a lid for your worm composting bin. A plastic storage container or a wooden crate can work well. Ensure that the container is opaque, as worms prefer a dark environment. Aim for a container size of approximately 10-14 inches deep, 24 inches long, and 18 inches wide.

You can also use a pair of containers, with the bottom container acting as a reservoir for any excess liquid as a by-product. You would simply need to make a grid of tiny holes in the bottom surface of the container that will be on top and place a fine screen over the created holes to retain the contents but allow the liquid through.

2. Prepare the bedding

Shred newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir to create a bedding material for the worms. Moisten the bedding with water until it’s as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Fill the bottom two-thirds of your container with this moistened bedding.

3. Add worms

Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the ideal worms for indoor composting, although we’re experimenting with using worms that we gather ourselves. The red wigglers can be purchased online or at a local garden center. Add around 1,000 worms to your bin, gently placing them on top of the bedding. They will naturally burrow down into the bedding material.

4. Provide food

Start by adding a small amount of kitchen scraps to one corner of the bin. Stick to fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and crushed (or even nearly powdered) eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily or processed foods, as these can cause unpleasant odors and attract indoor pests. It’s a good idea to bury the food scraps slightly to prevent fruit flies from invading.

5. Maintain the right conditions

Worms thrive in a dark, moist, and well-ventilated environment. Keep the bin in a cool, shady area, ideally with a temperature between 55-77°F (13-25°C). Make sure the bedding remains damp, but not soggy. If the bin becomes too wet, add more dry bedding material. If you went with two containers, the holes at the bottom should let any excess moisture through and keep everything from becoming too soggy. Just be sure to check that everything is staying damp, as you may need to add moisture to the two bin setup.

6. Harvest the compost

In about 3-6 months, the worms will have turned the bedding and food scraps into dark, crumbly compost known as worm castings. To harvest, push the finished compost to one side of the bin and add fresh bedding and food scraps to the other side. The worms will migrate to the new food source, making it easy to collect the worm castings.

7. Use your worm castings

Worm castings are nutrient-rich and can be used to fertilize your plants, improve soil structure, and boost plant growth. Mix the castings into potting soil or add a thin layer to the top of your garden beds.

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Setting up an indoor worm composting bin is an excellent way to involve your children in sustainable living and waste reduction. It provides an opportunity for them to learn about the composting process and witness the incredible work worms do to turn kitchen scraps into valuable plant food.

As you embark on this eco-friendly project with your family, encourage your kids to observe the worms’ progress and learn about their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. This hands-on experience can instill a sense of responsibility and a greater appreciation for our environment.

As we strive to make a positive impact on our world, let’s also remember to extend kindness and empathy to one another, as everyone is navigating their own unique challenges in life.