Worm Farming (Vermicomposting)

02What you'll need

• A worm farm bin (tiered or single) or a DIY bin with drainage
• Composting worms (tiger worms or red wrigglers — not ordinary garden earthworms)
• Bedding material (damp shredded paper or coconut coir)
• A steady supply of kitchen scraps

03Method

• 1. Set up the bin with moist bedding material as a starting base.
• 2. Add worms and let them settle for a few days before feeding heavily.
• 3. Feed small amounts of chopped kitchen scraps weekly, burying them slightly under bedding.
• 4. Keep the bin shaded and moist — worms are sensitive to heat, cold, and drying out.
• 5. Harvest castings every 2–3 months once a layer has matured, and drain liquid worm tea regularly.

04Troubleshooting

• Worms dying off — usually too hot, too wet, too dry, or overfed; check conditions and reduce feeding.
• Bad smell — overfeeding or anaerobic conditions; feed less, improve drainage and airflow.
• Fruit flies — bury scraps properly under bedding rather than leaving them exposed.
• Worms trying to escape — usually a sign conditions are wrong (too wet, too acidic, too hot); check and adjust.

05Timing & maintenance