The Complete Guide to Worm Farming

Why Worm Farms

A worm farm converts kitchen scraps into two extraordinarily valuable garden inputs: worm castings (one of the most nutrient-rich soil amendments available) and worm liquid (a powerful liquid fertiliser). They process waste quickly, produce no odour when managed correctly, and can be kept in a very small space.

Setting Up

Commercial worm farms (three-tier systems by Tumbleweed, Maze, or similar) are the easiest entry point ($60–120). Or build a simple system in any deep container with drainage holes and a lid. Add a 10cm bedding layer of damp coco coir, torn cardboard, and aged compost. Add 500–1000g of composting worms (Eisenia fetida — red wigglers).

Feeding

Worms eat fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and small amounts of paper and cardboard. Avoid: onion, citrus (in large quantities), meat, dairy, oily foods, and anything salty. Feed small amounts frequently rather than large amounts rarely. Cover food with bedding to prevent flies.

Harvesting

Harvest castings every 3–6 months. Move worms to one side, scoop out finished castings from the other, add fresh bedding, and move worms back. Drain liquid weekly and dilute 10:1 with water before applying to plants.