Worm Bin Composting

Many years ago, we used to have an indoor worm bin. TJ had wanted one so that he would have instant access to fishing worms! Well, for one reason or anther, those worms didn't last very long. I think the neglect killed them off. Lately, though, worms have been on my mind again.

When I planted my potted-herb garden this spring, I was able to use left over soil from last year...but it got me thinking about next year. Morally, I never want to buy Monsanto's fertilizers again, and if I'm not ever going to buy artificial fertilizers, then I need to have a plan. Well, the real-deal fertilizing process takes time--it certainly doesn't happen overnight!  Those worms have to work long and hard hours to process all the scraps, paper, etc. in order for me to have great fertilized soil (castings)...so NOW is the time to get started!

I researched INDOOR worm bin composting, and came across some great teaching materials from BIG TEX WORMS.  I decided that I was going to give it a try.  In mid May, I got the worm starter kit (which includes the bedding so the worms are happy and ready to go when you place them in the new bin), and now we had WORMS!  Liz warns you right up front not to neglect your worms, but also not to harass them too much either!  I peek at my worms about once a week, and this week was the best week so far!  Not only are the worms fat and plump and happy looking, but I am not killing them off!  I am thrilled!  I tried to take a picture of the worms, but they burrow down so fast, that I can not get my soiled hand wiped clean to snap the picture in time. 

I haven't decided yet what I am going to do when this bin gets full.  I could move them to a larger bin, or I could build a double-decker deluxe bin which, would sort of be like a 2-story home.  For now, the worms are kept in my little closet sewing room.  In a strange sort of way, it feels cozy to be sewing in the same area as the worms.  While I'm working on a sewing project, my worms are working on next years garden.  Kind of heart warming, really.