- 1). Purchase or use two existing plastic containers with lids as a worm bins, such as large storage bins. Choose an opaque bin, because red worms prefer darkness. Use bins that can be stacked inside each other.
- 2). Drill ¼-inch holes in the lid of the bin that will be on top. Space the holes 2 inches apart in rows that are 2 inches apart. Drill a row of holes 2 inches apart around the side of the bin near the bottom. Worms require fresh air via ventilation to survive.
- 3). Place two bricks in the bottom of the bin that will be on bottom. Place the other bin inside it so it rest on the bricks.
- 4). Tear newspaper into 1-inch-wide strips. Dampen the newspaper so it is as moist as a slightly damp sponge. Place into the top bin loosely until the bin is 2/3 full of paper strips.
- 5). Place two handfuls of garden soil on top the newspaper strips, then mix it in. Place 1 to 2 pound of red worms on top the newspaper.
- 6). Bury food waste inside the newspaper bedding. Use vegetable or starch waste such as apple cores, bread crusts or carrot peels. Feed the red worms twice a week, burying the food scraps in a different section of the bin each time.
- 7). Keep the bin in a dark place at room temperature with the lid on. Check the box weekly to make sure the newspaper is still damp. Sprinkle water in the box if the paper feels dry. Dump out the bottom bin if it begins to collect water draining from the box.
- 8). Remove worms as needed for bait purposes. To harvest compost, move the existing bedding to one side once it no longer resembles newspaper. Place new bedding in the cleared section of the bin and bury food in it. Wait one week for the worms to migrate to the new bedding, then remove the compost on the other side.
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