SIMPLE STEPS TO SET UP YOUR BIN

1. Choose a bin. The two most important details of your bin are: 1. It must be wider and longer than it is deep and 2. You must drill air holes in the bin to provide aeration. There are lots of resources on the internet for making your own bin, out of wood or plastic containers, or you can purchase one already prepared from us! Keep checking this website for a step-by-step photo essay on making your own bin, coming soon.

2. Sprinkle a handful of garden soil into the bottom of the bin. Like chickens, worms need a bit of grit to help them break down the food they eat. That is why you need to add some soil. Remember that these are not earthworms, and they will not thrive in a lot of soil, so keep the amount you place in the bin to a handful or two.

3. Crush a few dry eggshells, and sprinkle them in with the dirt. The eggshells help stop the bin from becoming too acidic. It is a good idea to add crushed eggshells to the bin once in a while. If you add some egg shell halves, you will find that groups of worms like to curl up in them!

The bottom of your bin will look bare, but don't worry about it. Your vermicomposting worms will soon have the bin base covered with beautiful "castings", which is poo to them, but is rich fertilizer to you!

4. Moisten your bedding. If you are using newspaper, it should be ripped or cut into strips, and made moist but not soaking wet. Spraying the bedding with a spray bottle of water works well. If you use leaves, they should be shredded.

5. Layer the bedding on top of the earth and eggshells.

6. Place your worms on top of the bedding. They will very quickly work their way beneath the bedding to find a dark place.

7. Add some food. What do red wrigglers like to eat? Almost any fruit and vegetable matter is great food for these worms, but there are a few they don't like, and that can cause problems in your bins. So, for best results, limit these foods: citrus fruits; onions and garlic; cabbage; starchy foods. Coffee grounds can be added in moderation, as can small amounts of rice and bready materials. It helps to cut the food into smaller pieces to make it easier for the worms to eat. Add food a little at a time for the first week or two, so that your worms can get settled in slowly.

Note: Avoid feeding your worms meats, fish, bones, eggs, dairy products and other oily foods. These foods will cause odours and attract unwanted insects. Garlic, salt, vinegar, salted snacks like potato chips, and spicy leftovers should not be added, nor should large quantities of onions. These foods may hurt the worms.