You can either buy a worm bin online or make one at home for much cheaper. For a more detailed guide on how to make your own bin, check out the guide from NYC Compost Project (pg 2).
The worm species needed for a worm bin is called “red wiggler” or Eisenia fetida. A general ratio of 1lb of worms per 3.5lbs of weekly food scraps is recommended
Bedding gives the worms a place to live, absorbs moisture, and prevent odor by covering the food scraps. Either purchase bedding or make your own following the steps on the right. After your bedding is in place, pour your worms on top of it.
Chop larger food scraps into one or two inch chunks. Move bedding to side, place in scraps, and cover with bedding.
Can Feed
fruit & vegetable scraps coffee grounds paper tea bags cut flowers houseplants potting soil
Cannot Feed
meat and dairy food cooked in oil spicy or salty foods too much citrus alcohol
5/7 oBSERVE CONDITIONS
Monitoring your worm bin regularly lets you ensure you are proving healthy living conditions for your worms and avoid problems with pests or odor. View the troubleshooting guide below from NYC Compost Project for more details.
It usually takes about three to six months to accumulate finished compost, which resembles dark, crumbly soil. When your bin is nearly full, it’s time to harvest your compost! Consult the NYC Compost Project guide for the best two ways to harvest (pgs 9-10).
Your harvested vermicompost can be placed in potting soil of your house plants or garden. If you don't have those, add them to the trees on your block or donate to community gardens.
Vermicompting Guide
This step by step guide was built from the information of NYC Compost Project's "Indoor Composting Guide." For a more detailed and text heavy format of the directions view their pdf guide at the link below.