From the page: Glass is a blank canvas
Idea 10
Simple countertop worm compost bin
Red wiggler worms have become the darling of home composting ever since they were popularized for processing organic matter: they eat their own body weight every day and turn fruit peels into dark, earthy-smelling fertilizer. In a transparent jar, you also get to watch the layers form — it works because the worms move up toward the fresh food and leave finished compost behind below.
What you need
- A large wide-mouth jar
- Red wiggler worms (sold at garden stores or by local breeders)
- Damp soil
- Chopped veggie scraps (fruit peels, coffee grounds, leaves)
- Cardboard or dry leaves
- A dark cloth to cover it
How to make it
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1
Make a layer of damp soil about 2 inches deep at the bottom — it's the worms' "bedroom."
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2
Release the worms onto the soil and cover with veggie scraps chopped very small; small pieces break down much faster.
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3
Top with a layer of damp shredded cardboard or dry leaves, which balances the moisture.
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4
Cover the jar with a dark cloth, because worms flee from light and work in the dark.
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5
Each week, add a small handful of scraps; if a strong smell shows up, you've overdone it — stop feeding for a few days.
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6
In two or three months, the dark compost at the bottom will be ready for your plants.
Finishing touches
never add meat, dairy, or too much citrus — it sours the bin. Any liquid that collects at the base, diluted in water, is a powerhouse fertilizer for your plants.
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