Several months ago I decided I wanted to build a worm compost bin, so add to my traditional compost pile and I have finally finished it.  It was easier than I thought I decided to share my experience with everyone in the event it can help.

Worm composting or Vermicompost is the science or harvesting worm castings (Yes poop) to be used as fertilizer.  Containing water-soluble nutrients and bacteria, vermicompost is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. Bins for this type of activity on places like Amazon starting around $80.  But I was able to make mine for around $20.

I started with plans found from the Seattle Tilth association.  I modified them slightly because some of the parts they suggested were not available at my Lowes, but it has worked thus far.

Basically, you have two plastic storage containers one sitting in side the other and the inner most bin contains worms, bedding and food scraps.  Given enough time the worms and bacteria will break down everything producing vermincompost.  The valve at the bottom is used to collect liquid that will seap down into the lower container, this is called compost tea and can be applied directly to plants as a fertilizer.

I had to purchase the 2″ cup drill bit, although I later found out that I owed one from a project I had done a long time ago.  Tip #1 always check your tool box before you buy any tools.

Additionally I had to ask for some assistance from an associate at Lowe’s because I could not find exactly what I was looking for But I was eventually able to find the shut-off valve you see in the picture.

Tip #2 make sure you drill is charged and your batter is good.  Apparently mine was dying and I was forced to cut the top louver vents.  I was forced to cut them out with my knife but they still serve their purpose of allowing air to circulate in the bins.

Following the instructions linked above I was able to build the bin in about 30 minutes and with only about $20 out of pocket, I already had extra storage bins.

The difficult part came when I tried to fill the bin.  The plans suggest the use of paper and since I had an ample supple of news papers I used those, however it takes a great deal of paper to fill up these bins.  My daughter and I spent about an hour tearing, crumpling and soaking the paper and we eventually gave up filling the bin to the top.

Tip #3 be sure to separate the paper and crumple it other wise it sticks together to much the worms will suffocate.  They need air despite the fact that they live under ground it seems strange but it is true.

You can go to a local bait shop, if you can find one.  Or you can order them from the internet however I took the easy way out.  I went to my current compost pile and as I was turning it I gathered any worms that I found.

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About the Author:  Jason started Improve the Quality with the hope of helping others improve their lives and creating the best personal finance, simple living blogazine on the web. He and his wife has been practicing the art of simplifying their lives for years. He is an IT professional by trade but would prefer to blog for a living. Read more from this author