How to start vermicomposting

What you need

Vermicomposting requires just three things: a bin, bedding, and worms. Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the gold standard — they thrive in confined spaces and process organic matter fast.

Choosing a bin

Any plastic storage container with a lid works. Drill small holes in the lid for airflow and a few drainage holes in the bottom. A 10–14 gallon bin is a good starting size for a household of two.

Preparing bedding

Shred newspaper or cardboard into strips and soak in water, then wring out to about the consistency of a wrung sponge. Fill the bin about halfway. Add a handful of soil or sand for grit — worms need it to digest food.

Adding your worms

Start with ½ to 1 lb of red wigglers. Spread them over the bedding, put the lid on loosely, and give them a day to burrow before adding food.

What to feed them

• Yes: fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed eggshells, plain bread
• No: meat, dairy, oily foods, citrus in large quantities, onions

Bury food under the bedding to prevent odours and fruit flies.

Harvesting castings

After 3–6 months your bin will be full of rich black castings. Push the material to one side, add fresh bedding to the empty side, and place food only there. Worms will migrate over in 2–3 weeks — then scoop out the finished castings from the depleted side.