How to Grow Worms for Compost

Drill three to four holes in each side of a wide shallow plastic or untreated wood box, 12 inches from the bottom, for air circulation. Use a wide, shallow box measuring 1 1/2 feet deep and 2 to 3 feet long for maximum worm activity. A plastic or untreated wood box will provide a longer lifespan.

Place the box in a spot where it will be protected from wind, rain and direct sun. Worms need temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees F, and die in temperatures under 50 degrees F or over 84 degrees F. Make sure any site gets consistent air circulation. Basements, garages and patios are good options.

Fill the box half-full with soil fresh from the garden, then top the box off with shredded newspaper or cardboard. Use only the black and white sections of the newspaper to avoid poisonous dyes. Water the mixture and mix until it's moist throughout, but not soggy. The dirt provides grit for earthworm digestion and the paper retains moisture for earthworm respiration.

Lay one pound of red worms on the mixture and allow them to work their way into the new bedding. Fold kitchen waste like fruits, veggies, pastas, sauces, bread and eggshells into the soil for worm food.

Feed the worms every week with more kitchen and yard waste. Water the worm bin as needed to maintain a consistently moist environment.

Empty the worm bin every two to three months to harvest the compost and start fresh. Take worms out of the old bedding, move it directly to your garden as compost and then mix new bedding for the worms and transfer them back into the box.