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First, buy, borrow or repurpose the following items that you will need to start worm composting:
1. Two plastic bins – one must be taller and rest inside the other, shorter bin.
Why holes? Holes near the top of the tub allow air in for the worms to breathe. Holes near the bottom of the tub are to allow excess liquid to drain out of the box so the worms don’t drown. You can manage the liquid manually, but it is hard to get it just right, so holes make the bin easier to maintain. Both sets of holes are covered with a fine vinyl screen so the worms don’t escape.The shorter, bottom bin does not need a top. A bin made of rubber or plastic and that is approximately 15 inches deep, 25 inches wide and 5 inches high works great. The extra length allows you to scoop out the extra liquid or “worm tea” for use elsewhere (e.g., in the garden, for plants, shrubs, etc.).
The top tub should have a top to keep the worms from finding their way outside the box. It also needs to be somewhat flexible so you can drill holes into it. An 18 gallon tub that is roughly 15 inches deep, 20 inches wide and 15 inches tall works well.
2. A drill – A drill with a one inch diameter and a one-eighth inch diameter drill bit is needed to drill the holes mentioned above.
3. Screening material – The type used for window screens is fine – just be sure NOT to use metal which will rust over time when exposed to the moisture in the bin. You only need about four 4 inch by 4 inch scraps of screen. Why use screening? If you don’t cover the holes, the worms may escape.
4. Waterproof glue – To keep the screens in place, even after they get wet.
5. Shredded paper – Enough to fill your bin three inches deep and extra to add each time you feed the worms once a week. Almost any kind of paper works, but avoid heavy, shiny paper and colored paper.
6. A little bit of dirt – A pound will be enough. Just make sure it does not have harmful chemicals in it. If all goes well, the worms will be producing their own dirt (compost) soon.
7. A little bit of water – Some water is needed to moisten the paper and dirt to create a comfortable medium for the worms to thrive. Soak the paper and then drain it before using.
8. Worms – A pound of red wrigglers are recommended because they consume waste quickly, but earthworms also work. Red wrigglers are available online, from your U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extension office or from another worm bin owner. Be careful of worms that are invasive species, such as the Asian Jumping Worm, which can be sold as the Alabama Jumper or Georgia Jumper. Worm bins produce more worms as well as great compost.
9. A trowel – Needed to move the compost as needed in the bin.
10. Food scraps container – Use a small container with a tightly fitting top to collect vegetable and fruit scraps. Why not just put the food straight into the worm bin? Worms do best left alone, so it is best to feed them only once a week. Use the food scraps container to collect scraps for a week and then feed the worms weekly.
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Ingredients
3 Tbsp. Beeswax Pellets
2 Tbsp. Shea Butter
4 Tbsp. Coconut Oil or other liquid oil such as Almond Oil, Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil
Essential Oil, dried berry powder or Flavor Oil (1/2 dram)
Instructions
In a microwave-safe container (I use a glass Pyrex measuring cup), melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring well after each one.
Stir in the essential oil or flavor oil.
Carefully pour into pots or tubes and allow to cool before using.
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Earth Organization for Sustainability: Cascadia 