THE BASICS
Give your red wigglers a new home
Worms are pretty simple. They mostly just need moisture, darkness, cool temperatures, and a food source. In the Bay Area outside in the shade is an option as long as it doesn't get much lower than 40 degrees or warmer than 90 degrees inside the bin. Red wigglers can handle this range, but they will slow down as it gets near extremes.
Worms can be placed in a compost bin or in a garden (or both!), depending on your goals. There are quite a few options available and it can be quite confusing when trying to decide. Click on the "Learn More" button below for some tips.
1. Pick a Home
Find a plastic bin or wooden box about 12 inches deep. Drill small holes in the lid and sides so your worms can breathe.
How to Start Your Bin
2. Make the Bed
Fill the bin with shredded cardboard or newspaper. Dampen it with water until it feels like a wrung-out sponge. This is your bedding. You can add a handful of soil or compost to innoculate the bedding with microbes.
3. Add the Worms
Place your red wiggler worms on top of the bedding. They will naturally crawl down to settle into their new home away from any light. You might want to leave the lid off or keep it loose to let a little light in to make sure the worms stay below the surface.
Feeding Your Workers
Healthy worms make healthy soil. Feeding them the right mix of kitchen scraps and bedding keeps your bin smelling fresh and your workers happy.
- Do Feed: Fruit peels, veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells.
- Do Add: Shredded cardboard or dried leaves to keep things airy. Make sure to add enough bedding material so it doesn't get too wet.
- Don't Feed: Meat, dairy, oily foods, or too much citrus and onions.
- Basic Care: Keep the bin moist like a wrung-out sponge and store it in a shady, cool spot.
When is it Ready?
The Light Test: Worms hate light! Shine a bright light on the bin, and the worms will dive deep, leaving the finished castings at the top for you to scoop. It's a simple, gentle way to separate your rich 'black gold' without hurting the little workers.
The Smell Test: Finished castings should smell like fresh, rainy earth. If it still smells like food scraps, give it another week or two. When it's dark, crumbly, and earthy, it's ready to boost your backyard garden's health.
