“Hey there! I live in a small apartment and have been really interested in starting a worm composting system indoors. However, I’m not sure where to begin. What kind of bin should I use, and how do I make sure it doesn’t start to smell or attract unwanted pests? Also, which type of worms would work best for an indoor setup? Any tips to keep it low-maintenance would be great too!” Thanks, Peter, Brooklyn, USA.
How Do I Start An Indoor Worm Composting System?
Great question, Peter! Worm composting indoors is an excellent way to recycle kitchen waste and create rich, nutrient-dense compost for your plants. It’s a practical and sustainable option, especially when space is limited. Let’s break down the process step by step to make sure it’s as straightforward as possible for you.
Selecting the Right Bin
First things first, you need a suitable bin. The type of bin you use is crucial. Here’s what to look for:
- Material: Bins can be made of plastic or wood. Plastic storage bins are cheap and easy to find, while wood bins are more eco-friendly but might require a bit more maintenance.
- Size: For apartment living, a bin that’s about 10 to 20 gallons should be sufficient.
- Ventilation: Worms need air, so make sure your bin has adequate ventilation. Drill a few holes in the sides and lid if you’re using a closed plastic bin.
- Drainage: Proper drainage ensures that any excess liquid (known as “worm tea”) doesn’t drown your worms. Elevate the bin slightly and place a tray underneath to catch any dripping liquid.
Choosing the Right Worms
The type of worm you use is another critical factor. For indoor composting, Eisenia fetida, or red wigglers, are the best choice. Unlike common garden worms, red wigglers thrive in the confined spaces of a composting bin and can process large amounts of organic material efficiently.
Setting Up the Bedding
Bedding provides a habitat for your worms and helps manage moisture. You can use materials like:
- Shredded newspaper: This is probably the simplest and most accessible bedding material.
- Cardboard: Tear it up into small pieces and mix with other bedding materials.
- Coconut coir: A bit more expensive but very effective in maintaining moisture balance.
- Leaf mold: If you have access to aged leaves, they can be an excellent bedding option.
Moisten the bedding until it feels like a wrung-out sponge before adding it to the bin. The worms need a moist environment, but it shouldn’t be soaking wet.
Introducing Your Worms
Once your bin and bedding are ready, it’s time to introduce your worms. Start with about one pound of red wigglers. Spread them evenly on the surface of the bedding and give them a couple of days to acclimate before you start feeding them regularly.
Feeding Your Worms
Feeding the worms correctly is key to keeping your system running smoothly. Here’s what to feed and avoid:
- What to feed: Fruit scraps, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and crushed eggshells. Chop scraps into smaller pieces to help the worms process them faster.
- What to avoid: Meat, dairy products, oily foods, and citrus fruits. These can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
To feed your worms, make a small hole in the bedding, place the food scraps in, and cover it back up. This keeps odors down and helps the worms find the food.
Managing Moisture and Temperature
Maintaining the right conditions is vital for worm health:
- Moisture: The bedding should stay moist, like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, spray it lightly with water. If too wet, add dry bedding materials to absorb the moisture.
- Temperature: Keep your bin in a well-ventilated area with a temperature between 55°F and 77°F. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight which can overheat the worms.
Avoiding Common Problems
Here are some tips to prevent and solve common issues:
- Odor: A well-maintained worm bin shouldn’t emit strong odors. If it does, it’s likely that you’re overfeeding or the bin is too wet. Adjust feeding accordingly and make sure to keep proper ventilation.
- Fruit Flies: To avoid fruit flies, always bury the food scraps under the bedding and ensure the bin is covered well.
- Pests: If you find unwanted pests, remove the affected areas and adjust your feeding habits. It’s also a good idea to maintain a lid on the bin.
Harvesting the Compost
After a few months, you’ll notice the bedding turning into dark, rich compost. Here’s how to harvest it:
- Light Method: Place the bin under bright light. Worms will burrow to avoid the light, allowing you to scoop out the top layer of compost.
- Side Method: Push the contents of the bin to one side and add new bedding and food to the empty side. Worms will migrate to the fresh bedding, allowing you to harvest the compost from the other side.
Using the Compost
Worm compost, known as vermicompost, is rich in nutrients. Use it to enrich garden soil, as a potting mix additive, or to create compost tea for watering plants. It improves soil structure, enhances plant growth, and helps retain moisture in the soil.
Final Thoughts…
Peter, thanks for reaching out with your question. Setting up an indoor worm composting system might seem intimidating at first, but sticking to these steps should keep things manageable and rewarding. From choosing the right bin and worms to maintaining and eventually harvesting your compost, each aspect plays a role in the success of your system. Happy composting!
