How to Set Up a Red Worm Habitat

If a small outdoor space limits your ability to start a compost heap, you can easily create an indoor composting bin with the help of redworms. These natural composters are easy to care for with the right habitat in place, and they convert kitchen waste into rich fertilizer for indoor and outdoor gardens all year long. The key to successfully creating compost in your home is setting up a redworm habitat that keeps the worms healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic bin, metal tub or wood box no more than 18 inches deep
  • Shredded paper or newspaper
  • Sterile soil
  • Water
  • Red worms
  • Non-meat food waste
  • Drill with 1/4-inch bit
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Instructions

  1. How to Set Up a Red Worm Habitat

    • 1

      Drill holes in the sides and bottom of the bin to allow for air circulation and water drainage. Use a 1/4-inch drill bit so the worms will not escape.

    • 2

      Add shredded paper for the worms' bedding. Mix in some sterile soil or sand to add grit.

    • 3

      Moisten the bedding, but do not over-saturate it. When you can squeeze a few drops of water from some of the paper, you have the right amount of water.

    • 4

      Calculate the number of worms you need for your average kitchen waste. Two pounds of worms will eat one pound of scraps. Add the worms.

    • 5

      Feed the worms using kitchen scraps, but do not give them any meat, dairy or bones. Bury the scraps in a different part of the compost bin every day.

    • 6

      Store the redworm habitat in an area where the temperature stays between 55 degrees and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 7

      Harvest the compost from the bin after a few weeks.