How to Make a Worm Composting Bin

!±8± How to Make a Worm Composting Bin

You can buy an actual bin online, and although some are cheap, you can save yourself some money with this easy do-it-yourselfer.

The first thing that you need to decide is whether or not you plan to keep it indoors or out, but the construction is very similar for both. Also ask yourself, do you plan to keep the worm tea or just use the
actual fertilizer for plants?

Outdoor Worm Composting Bins

1. Let start with outdoors. You can take 4 sharpened wooden stakes of about 3 feet in length and drive them into the ground in the shape of a square. You probably only need to force them in about 1 foot into the ground.

2. The size of the actual shape is up to you, but you may find that you don't need to make it too big. Typically, a 3x3 foot square is just fine.

3. Pick yourself up some chicken wire, or wire mesh fence, measure the length that you will need to wrap around the entire parameter of the frame, cut the length that you have determined, and using heavy duty staples, wrap the wire around the stakes and firmly staple it into place.

There are also plenty of other designs, such as the rotating barrel composter, but this is the simplest to make, unless you plan to invest some money in something more glamorous.

Indoor Worm Composting Bins

This is the route to take if you live in an urban area with no yard space. Also, worms need to be in temperatures of between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why this also might be more convenient. Make sure that you keep this in a warm and relatively dry room.

1. Pick up 2 cheap, medium to large sized plastic storage containers. Make sure that they are not transparent. Worms work best under dark conditions. If you do get something clear, tape newspapers to the outside at least.

2. Using a drill and a 1/4 inch bit, drill about 30 or so holes in the bottom of both containers, but not too close together other in either one. Next you will want to drill numerous holes all around the tops of the containers (near where the lids would go).

3. This is a step-by-step process so listen closely. Take one of the lids and set it on the ground, with the lip facing upwards. Then you will need to place something on top of the lid that will create several inches in space. You should be able to get your hands through this space. Stacking a few pieces of wood on each end of the lid works fine.

4. Next, take one container and place it on top. Make sure that there is room for your hand to go between the lid and the container. Now place the 2nd bin inside the first one. You will notice that it will stick up a bit, leaving room between them.

5. The lid will act as a catcher for the worm tea, or liquid produced from the composting process. You can now save this liquid if you choose to do so for plant fertilizer.