How to Build a Box for Worms

Organic composting has been around for centuries. As city planners continue to look at ways to incorporate urban gardens into cities, the ability to create composting opportunities for small spaces has its advantages. One of the easiest ways to embrace organic composting, in a space-efficient way, is with a worm box. A worm box is a simple project and one that can be created with side-by-side with your children to teach them the basics of composting from a young age.

Things You'll Need

  • 5/8-inch CDX plywood
  • Saw
  • 2-inch Ardox nails
  • Hammer
  • Drill
  • ½-inch drill bit
  • Newspaper, cardboard or leaves
  • Dirt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut with a saw the 5/8-inch plywood into two pieces measuring 35 5/8 inches by 12 inches. These pieces will serves as the sides of the worm box. Set them aside.

    • 2

      Cut two pieces of 5/8-inch plywood to measure 23 3/8 inches by 12 inches. These pieces will serve as the ends of the worm box. Set them aside.

    • 3

      Cut one piece of 5/8-inch plywood measuring 24 inches by 36 inches. This piece will be used to make the bottom of the worm box. Set it aside.

    • 4

      Nail the side pieces together with a hammer, making sure same length boards are parallel to each other. Use between four and six two-inch nails per side.

    • 5

      Nail the bottom piece of 5/8-inch cut plywood to the side frame that has been built. Use between five and seven nails per side.

    • 6

      Drill 12 holes into the bottom piece of the worm box with a 1/2-inch bit and drill. These holes will allow air to get in and out of the worm box.

    • 7

      Elevate the box off of the ground to allow for proper air circulation through the drilled holes. Scrap pieces of wood can be used for elevation purposes.

    • 8

      Shred cardboard, newspapers or old leaves. These shredded materials will serve as the bedding for the worm box.

    • 9

      Fill the box to the top of the sides with bedding. Add a couple of handfuls of dirt to the bedding.

    • 10

      Compute the ratio of worms needed. It will take two pounds of worms per each pound of organic waste each week.