If you’re ready to embark on your vermicomposting journey, these are the best worm composter bins to get you started. A worm bin can be as simple as a plastic container with a lid, or as complicated as a multi-layer bin with many different compartments and features. While you can save money by building your own bin, Chia-Ming Ro, a garden consultant and owner of Coastal Homestead explains that buying a pre-made one “takes the guesswork out." Considering that an ill-fitted bin could leave too little room for air to get in—or not enough room for air to flow through—opting for a pre-made one will better set you up for success from the beginning. Worm composting bins also come with many optional features, such as stackable trays or spigots, which can be harder to design yourself. You’ll want to keep your bin in a cool spot that doesn’t get direct sun; either inside a basement or garage, or outside on a covered porch. Some bins are better suited to be indoors while others are designed to be outside. When it comes to nature working its magic, the conditions are important, so you should also think about your familiarity with vermicomposting. “Some bins help to keep the conditions humid, well-drained, and well-aerated without much intervention needed from you, increasing the chances of faster compost production,” explains Eddleston. Finally, consider the bin’s size. “Ideally, your worm bin has two bins that allow worms to move freely from one to the next," says Ro. “Stackable bins can process a lot of food scraps and have a small footprint,” explains Eddleston. “But if you’re living in an apartment, you might want a smaller model with fewer trays than some of the larger bins that are better suited for outdoors or a house with garage space.” Typically, castings are ready in 4 to 6 months, and all you have to do is unzip the bottom and let them fall into a tray or bucket. The benefit of this compact size is you can easily move it from one location to another if you need to. And thanks to the sleek design, it’s not obvious worms are living inside. Eddleston adds that it’s “a very hands-off solution, as you don’t need to empty the container to collect castings.” Plus, it doubles as a small bench in the garden, holding up to 150 pounds thanks to a newly reinforced latch design. The lightweight bin is easy to move and has a sleek and elegant design that you’ll be eager to show off, indoors or out. Although small, there’s an option to expand from two trays to four, depending on your needs. Worms can eat a variety of food scraps including fruit and vegetable scraps and coffee grounds, but avoid giving them citrus fruits, animal, and dairy products. The key to maintaining your bed is making sure it has the right amount of food (and therefore, moisture) at all times. When the system is out of balance, it will start to smell. Here’s a complete primer on getting started feeding your bin. Mix your bin periodically to loosen up its materials and prevent odors and with any luck, you’ll have black gold on your hands in no time. Typically, you’ll need to dedicate only 30 minutes a week and will have castings within 3- 6 months. And how much can worms eat on average per day? “One pound of worms can eat about 1/2 pound of food a day,” says Ro.
