CIAKids :


Create a Composting Worm Box for Earth Day

© The following information was gathered from the Washington State University Web site. For more detailed information on building the composting worm box please visit them online.

Step 1: Where to Place a Worm Box
The ideal place for a worm box would be a place with a temperature range of 70-90°F, and a lot of air circulation.

Step 2: Starting a Worm Box
Usually, you would use a wooden box made of plywood measuring 1' by 2' by 3' (for a family of 4-6 people). If you are using a plastic bin, be sure to add both drainage and aeration holes. Start by putting bedding in the work box. Bedding can be corrugated cardboard, news-print, and newspapers shredded into strips.

Step 3: Moisture
In order to survive, worms require 75% to 90% moisture content. To achieve this percentage, add three pounds of water for each pound of dry bedding, that is a ratio of 3:1. An easy way to check the moisture content of your bedding is to squeeze some in your hand. If a few drops of moisture are released into your hand, the bedding is sufficiently moist. If five or more drops are released, the bedding is too wet.

Step 4: What Kind of Worms To Use
There are two basic varieties: 1. Red worm (Lumbricus rubellus) 2. Red worm (Eisinia foetida)

Step 5: How Many Worms to Use
2 lbs of worms are required for each pound of daily kitchen waste, that is a ratio of 2:1. For example: If you produce 3.5 pounds of kitchen waste per week, you should use one pound of worms.