Apartment composting: building a worm box
A few months ago, I asked our readers for advice on composting in my apartment [mb]. You all delivered, like you always do, and after thinking and researching and talking to people at farmer’s markets, I decided to build Seattle Tilth’s off-the-shelf worm bin.
So on Saturday a trusty sidekick and I headed to Home Depot. Home Depot is terrifying, and I think that most of the parts can be found at a regular hardware store, so if you have one of those close by, go there. On the other hand, the people at Home Depot were very nice and helpful and only looked at me like I was a little bit crazy when I showed them the plans for what I was doing.
If you already own a drill, the parts will run around $40. I had to make it over two days, because I had to buy a drill and the battery needed to be charged, but altogether it probably took a couple of hours to assemble. I glued my louvered vents into the side of the container because they kept falling out, but it’s likely that if you actually know what you’re doing drilling holes in things that won’t be necessary. Bedding can be made with damp newspaper and cardboard, and as the worms eat things and the bedding settles more should be added on top.
We’ll see if I manage to not kill my worms somehow, but since I managed to not drill a hole through my floor putting the box together, I think there’s hope.
Related posts:
Where do you get the worms?
Seattle Tilth sells them, and there are lots of places to order them on the internet.
Your bin looks great, and I think you’ll have great success with it. If you ever need more info on worm composting or any other gardening topics (indoors and out), I hope you’ll contact us at the Garden Hotline for free advice! info@lawnandgardenhotline.org or 206-622-0224
Your bin looks great, and I think you’ll have great success with it. If you ever need more info on worm composting or any other gardening topics (indoors and out), I hope you’ll contact us at the Garden Hotline for free advice! 206-633-0224 or info@lawnandgardenhotline.org
A new urban trend? Make sure you have adequate depth of soil, because the worms will want constant temperature.