How to Make an Earthworm Colony

How To Make A Earthworm Colony

• 1

  Acquire two 8- to 10-gallon plastic bins. Make sure the bin is opaque so the worms do not burn from sunshine or other light. Drill about twenty 1/4-inch holes into the bottom of each bin. The holes provide drainage for the worms and allow the worms to crawl into the second bin during compost gathering. Drill ventilation holes on each side of the bins about 1-1/2 inches apart. Drill about 30 small holes in one of the bin lids. This will give worms ventilation to breathe.

• 2

  Choose the correct bedding for the bin, such as shredded brown leaves, old hay or coconut husk fiber. Avoid manure because this contains bacteria that can be harmful to people. Do not use green leaves because these will overheat the bin and kill the worms. Do not use newspaper because the inks are toxic. Put the lid of the first bin on the ground and put the first bin on the lid. Leave this bin without bedding. This will allow worm water, "worm tea," to leak through the bin. Dump the water into a bucket and use the "tea" as extra fertilizer. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bottom of the second bin. Moisten the bedding so the worms will acclimate to the bin. Do not let water pool in the bin because worms need damp surroundings that mimic their natural habitat. Add worms to the bedding. Place your bin in a well-ventilated area.

• 3

  Choose a laundry room, balcony or shade outdoors for the bin. Use a thermometer to measure the bin temperatures. Compost can become hot and explode. Monitor bin temperature every week. Keep your compost bin at 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 4

  Put food in the bin that worms can digest. Use plain bread and grains, coffee, tea bags, fruits and vegetables. Do not use fats, meat, manure and oils that will become rancid. Bury the waste deep into the bin so that it does not attract fruit flies and other insects. Stop feeding the bin for two weeks so the worms can finish all the food scraps. Separate the compost with worms to one part of the bin. Reserve leftover food in the other half of the bin. Add fresh bedding and scraps to leftover food. Give the worms two weeks to migrate to the fresh bedding. Harvest the compost after 3 to 4 months. Take the worm castings (compost) to your garden and use as fertilizer.