What do I use for a red worm bin.

What makes a good worm bin or worm composter? How do I construct a worm bin or farm? These are questions I get asked commonly. Well there are many good worm bins and worm farms on the market. Lets see here...

• Can-O-Worms
• Worm Factory
• Worm Factory 360
• Vermi-Hut
• Best Worm Inn
• Tumble Weed Worm Farm Inn
• Gusanito Worm Farm
• Worm Inn

And about a gazillion others. Most of these work well and are atractive and easy ways to keep worms. However, the truth of the matter is that worms don't need a mansion. Haha, if I ever design a worm bin I think I have found a good name.

Introducing "The Worms Etc Worm Mansion"

Ok, just kidding. For real though the worms don't care so much so you simply need a container that is a manageable size. Be practical here. Remember that it will get heavy as time goes on so you don't want anything bigger than you can handle. Sides about a foot deep are ideal, but anything between 6-24" works. An ideal container is a 15 gallon rubbermaid tote. "Wally-world" carries these. Red wiggler worms typically only use the top 6" and surface area allows for air to penetrate the worm bin so wide and long is better that a deep container.

I know many people that have gone through lots of trouble to cut holes and then patch over with screen and then mount a container below and tons of work. This is great is you want to take the time and have the skills and tools to do that, but I find that as long as you are careful and don't over-water and feed the worm bins this is not necessary. Drilling some small holes to allow water drainage and aeration is helpful.

All in all keep it simple. The whole beauty of worm composting is its simplicity. Try and reuse a container that is otherwise going to end up as trash. Try and be creative, get the kids involved and see if they can think something up that maybe you didn't think of. Most of all let it be fun!