How to Set Up an Earthworm Project

Worm Farm

• 1

  Choose a container for your farm. Select a small plastic container if you want to grow a few worms to observe, a larger plastic tub or plastic kid pool if you want to grow worms to sell for bait. You can choose any type of container, even wooden. Section off a part of your yard and build a wooden border around it for a more permanent setup.

• 2

  Fill the container with soil. According to Raisingearthworms.org, the soil should be brown, loose and rich, not excessively rocky or sandy. The soil should not be predominately clay. The worms need looser soil to navigate easily. Add soil to the container until it is 1/2 to 2/3 full.

• 3

  Add worms to the soil. Purchase starter worms from a bait shop or online, or hunt for worms yourself and add them to the farm. Use whatever type of worms you prefer, including red worms, night crawlers or garden worms.

• 4

  Feed the worms vegetable waste from your household. Add food on a regular basis to keep the worms healthy.

Worm Composting Bin

• 5

  Create a personal worm composting bin from a shallow plastic bin. According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, a successful worm bin contains a large surface area for the best decomposition of food particles. The container should be between 12 to 16 inches long and at least 6 inches deep. Add a lid if you would like, but it is not necessary for an indoor bin.

• 6

  Drill ventilation holes in the thoroughly cleaned container, not more than 1/2-inch in diameter. Use your own judgment on the number of holes to be drilled depending on the size of container used. Drill additional holes in the lid if you use a snap-on lid. This cuts down on odors that build up inside the container.

• 7

  Add bedding, worms and food. The most common worms for composting are red worms, available online or at some garden supply stores. The University of Kentucky Extension Service lists peat moss, shredded newspaper, shredded cardboard, brown leaves and shredded computer paper as suitable bedding. Moisten the bedding but do not soak the material; worms won't survive in an environment that is too wet. Add 2 cups of garden soil, which helps the worms digest material.

• 8

  Add the worms. According to the University of Kentucky, one pound of red worms can eat 3 1/2 pounds of food waste per week. Adjust the number of worms you add to the bin based on how much food you will be adding to the bin. Place the worms on top of the bedding and they will work their way down through it. Once the worms have infiltrated the bin, add food. Do not add meat waste or bones to the bin; instead opt for vegetable waste, egg shells, coffee grounds and tea bags.