Worm Bin Start-Up Guide

1. Set Up Your Worm Bin

• Use a plastic tote (18–20 gallons) or buy a ready-made worm bin.
• Drill air holes in the lid and along the upper sides.
• Optional: Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom with a tray underneath.
• Place the bin in a cool, shaded area (ideal temp: 55–77°F).
• Suitable locations: kitchen corner, garage, porch, or under a shade structure.

2. Add Moist Bedding

• Use shredded cardboard, newspaper (black/white ink), coconut coir, or dried leaves.
• Moisten the bedding until it feels like a wrung-out sponge.
• Fill the bin about halfway to three-quarters full with bedding.

3. Add Worms

• Use Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida) — the best composting worms.
• Start with 1 lb (~1,000 worms) for a small household.
• Let worms settle into the bin for a day before feeding.

4. Feed the Worms

• Feed 1–2 times per week. Bury food in the bedding to reduce smells and pests.

Yes (Worm-Friendly Foods):

• Fruit and veggie scraps
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags (no staples)
• Crushed eggshells
• Bread (small amounts)

No (Avoid These):

• Meat, dairy, oil, citrus (in excess), spicy food, pet waste

5. Worm Bin Maintain

• Add fresh bedding every 2–3 weeks.
• Keep bedding moist but not soggy.
• Fluff the bin weekly to maintain airflow.
• Avoid overfeeding—worms eat about half their weight in food scraps per day.

6. Harvest the Castings (After 2–3 Months)

• Stop feeding one side of the bin. Worms will migrate to the food side.
• Scoop out the finished castings from the other side.
• Use in garden beds, containers, houseplants, or make worm tea.

Quick Tips

• Ideal bin temperature: 55–77°F
• If it smells bad: reduce feeding and add dry bedding
• Protect from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures
• Use castings as organic fertilizer—plants love it!

Delta Worms – Healthy Soil Starts Here
📍 East Contra Costa County
🌐 www.DeltaWorms.com