Earthworms and Worm Bins
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Introduction

Vermicomposting is increasingly in popularity in households, schools, and businesses. It is easy and inexpensive to set up worm bins in any of those settings. Worm bins can be located inside or outdoors, as a properly maintained bin does not produce odors. If setting up the bin outdoors, be sure you can maintain the temperature between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

About vermicomposting earthworms...

worms with worm poo.More than 4,000 species of earthworms have been identified, yet only six species are suitable for vermicomposting. Of the six species, only one is used most commonly in North America: Eisenia fetida (red wiggler). It is very important that this one species of earthworm (or its "cousin," Eisenia andrei) is used for vermicomposting, so do not pick up earthworms in the environment and put them in your worm bin. Instead, purchase red wigglers from a worm grower (click below on Directory of Vermiculture Resources).

About worm bins...

Worms bins can be purchased from commercial manufacturers (like the ones inthe photo below) or constructed from wood or plastic storage bins. They can also be created using concrete blocks or other building materials. Your earthworms need to be shielded from light and rain, so be sure to cover the bin with something: a lid, burlap sacks, cardboard, loose plastic, plywood, etc. Make sure that oxygen can flow into the bin (e.g., drill air holes). There should also be some way to drain excess liquid from the bin (drill holes inthe bottom).

photo show six different styles of worm bins

Photo showing six different kinds of worm bins

Where to keep a worm bin...

Worm bins can be kept indoors or outdoors in the shade. The ideal temperature for composting worms is between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Your worms will survive at temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees if they have at least 4 inches of bedding. During colder months, your worm bin can be insulated with blankets, straw, blue board or other material to keep it warm.

Photo: Worm bin sits under a desk. Photo: Worm bin sits beneath the sink. Photo: A worm bin is placed in a cabinet.
     

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