How to Compost Leaves With Worms

Drill eight to 10 drainage holes in the bottom of the bin. Drill a series of air holes around the upper edge of the bin, about 1 to 2 inches from the top. The bin should be about 16 inches deep and allow 1 square foot of surface space for every pound of leaves you will give the worms each week. Lay a piece of screen in the bottom of the bin so the worms can't escape.

Shred the newspapers into strips about an inch wide. Dampen the strips just enough so a few drops of water can be wrung from them. Fill the bin about halfway with this shredded bedding. Leave it loose; don't try to pack it in.

Place the worms in the bin. Use 1 lb. of worms for every 1/2 lb. of leaves fed to the worms weekly. As a rule of thumb, start with no more than 2 lbs. of worms in a bin, and feed them accordingly. They will multiply quickly and be able to compost increasing amounts of leaves after the first month or two.

Add one or two handfuls of soil to the bedding in the bin. This provides the worms with some grit and helps them to digest their food.

Top the bedding with a layer of leaves. Rotate the feeding spot each week to make sure the worms are eating what you give them. Lay leaves down one side of the bin the first week, the center area the next week, and the other side the third week. For the fourth week, go back to the first section and feed the worms there. Place the lid on the bin and let the worms go to work.