Worm Bin 101

A down and dirty way to help your worms get down and dirty.

Preparing a bin….

Composting worms are best kept in a bin or box, as this is a much easier way to manage the worms and harvest the compost. The worm bin can range from small and super-simple to huge and complex systems.

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Step 1

The easiest way to start is with a small to medium plastic tote with a lid, preferably opaque (worms don’t like light), but clear will also work. Using a ¼” drill bit, drill a bunch holes in the bottom of the bin (for drainage) and a row of holes approximately an inch or two down from the lid (for air circulation). Then fill the bin with shredded newspaper or junk mail or straw (or whatever you have on hand) to use for bedding. The bedding should be moistened with water until it’s thoroughly damp, like a wrung out sponge. You should also mix in some dirt or garden soil or a little sand, since the worms need a little grit to aid in digestion. That’s it! Just add worms and put the lid on…..

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Step 2

From there, you can start adding some refinements, like a drip tray underneath to catch the liquid (nest it in a second tote or use an extra lid under it). Try adding some adding some well aged compost (it’ll contribute microorganisms that help break down the food) or perhaps some coir (shredded coconut fiber), hau’upu or vermiculite, which will help keep the bedding fluffed up and retain moisture. The worms will eventually eat the bedding, so you’ll keep adding as you go along. The main things to remember about the worm bin are Damp, Dark, and Dinner, along with some air circulation to supply oxygen.


As for location, you can keep it inside or out. A well managed bin has virtually no smell and rarely any flies or other pests, so many people keep it in the house or garage with no problem. If the thought of worms in the house is not your cup of tea, outside is fine, just protect it from extremes; avoid direct sunlight/heat and keep out of the rain. Beyond the basic bin, there are probably as many different types of bins as there are worm ranchers. We’ll also post some variations for your consideration…..