Making A Worm Farm From Wheelie Bin

Making a Worm Farm from a Wheelie Bin

Vermicomposting, the process of using worms to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, is a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice that you can easily implement at home by creating a worm farm from a wheelie bin.

Here are essential aspects of making a wheelie bin worm farm:

Materials

Wheelie bin (60-80 liters capacity)
Electric drill or screwdriver
2-inch wood screws
Drill bits (1/4 inch and 3/8 inch)
3/16 inch hardware cloth or plastic mesh
PVC pipe (optional, for aeration)
Worms (red wigglers or composting worms)

Steps

1. Preparation:

Wash the wheelie bin thoroughly to remove any contaminants.
Drill 1/4-inch holes around the bottom of the bin for drainage.

2. Drainage Layer:

Place a 1-2 inch layer of gravel, broken pots, or cardboard at the bottom to facilitate drainage.

3. Bedding Layer:

Create a 6-8 inch layer of moistened shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir as bedding for the worms.

4. Aeration:

Optional: Drill 3/8-inch holes in the lid of the bin for aeration. You can also insert PVC pipes with holes drilled into them to enhance ventilation.

5. Fencing:

Cut a piece of hardware cloth or plastic mesh to fit the top of the bin. Secure it with screws to prevent worms from escaping.

6. Worms:

Purchase red wigglers or composting worms from a worm farm or online supplier.
Release the worms onto the bedding layer.

7. Feeding:

Feed the worms kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other organic materials in small quantities.
Bury food items slightly below the surface of the bedding.

Maintenance

Keep the bedding moist but not soggy.
Turn the bedding periodically to aerate and mix in food.
Monitor worm activity and adjust feeding frequency accordingly.
Harvest the worm castings (compost) every 3-4 months.

By following these steps, you can create a successful and sustainable worm farm in a wheelie bin, providing your garden with nutrient-rich fertilizer and reducing waste.