Creating a Wormery Enhancing Your Compost Bin with Worms

Transforming kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich garden fertiliser is a fantastic way to make use of waste. However, if you’re looking to expedite the process, consider setting up a wormery. By introducing worms to your compost bin, you can significantly accelerate the decomposition of organic matter and create a thriving worm ecosystem.

What is a Wormery?

A wormery resembles a three-level townhouse for worms. The worms inhabit the middle layer, which is filled with comfortable bedding materials like leaf mould, coconut fibre (also known as ‘coir’), or old compost. Below them, a drainage layer allows the collection of liquid waste, which can be utilized as a potent liquid fertilizer. The top layer serves as the feeding area, where you can add garden and kitchen waste, excluding meat, dairy, unwashed fruit rinds, and excessive citrus.

Choosing a Suitable Container:

Several container options are available for constructing a wormery:

• Three stackable boxes with mesh bottoms to contain the materials.
• An adapted wheelie bin or compost bin with drainage holes at the bottom.
• Purpose-built commercial wormeries featuring drainage taps and removable layers.

When using a wheelie bin, there’s no need to modify your council garden waste bin. Simply select a wheelie bin that suits your garden size and the amount of food waste you generate, and ensure you obtain an appropriate number of worms for efficient digestion.

Top Tips for Optimising Your Wormery:

While merely adding worms to a standard compost bin can enhance waste decomposition, the following tips can help you create an even more effective wormery:

• The liquid drainage from your wormery serves as valuable fertilizer. Consider installing a water butt tap at the bottom of your wheelie bin for easy collection, if you’re skilled in DIY.
• Raise the worms’ living area in the middle layer slightly to facilitate drainage. Regularly collect the liquid if you’re using a tap.
• The top layer should be removable for easy access. You can manually extract the compost or create a mesh shelf that hooks over the bin’s sides and rests gently on the worm bedding.
• Smaller bins make it easier to manually remove the compost when it’s ready. Keep this in mind when selecting a garden waste wheelie bin for your wormery.
• Ensure the container is dark, adequately insulated, and maintains suitable temperature and humidity levels. Choose a container with a well-fitting, removable lid—an ideal example being a wheelie bin.

By insulating the container, regularly draining the liquid, and adding fresh, clean fruit, vegetable, and garden waste, you can maintain a conducive environment for your worms. With proper care, you’ll have usable compost within a few months.

Adding worms to your compost bin through the creation of a wormery is an excellent way to speed up the decomposition process and produce nutrient-rich compost. Whether you opt for stackable boxes, an adapted bin, or a purpose-built wormery, following the tips provided will ensure a successful and efficient wormery experience. Enjoy the benefits of this natural recycling system as you contribute to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.