From the page: Styrofoam that turns into creative gold
Idea 2
Worm compost bin
Home worm bins have existed ever since gardeners noticed that red worms transform kitchen scraps into humus, the richest fertilizer there is. Styrofoam serves as an insulating box: it protects the worms from cold and sudden heat, and doesn't rot with moisture.
What you need
- 2 or 3 styrofoam trays with lids (identical, stackable)
- Red wiggler worms (sold at garden stores or online)
- Damp soil and dry leaves or shredded cardboard (the worm bedding)
- Vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and fruit peels
- A heated screwdriver for poking holes
How to make it
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1
Poke the bottom of one tray with small holes across the whole surface — that's where the leachate (compost liquid) drains and the worms migrate between trays.
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2
Stack: the perforated tray on top, an intact one below to catch the liquid, and the lid closing on top to darken the environment, as worms like it.
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3
Make the bedding in the perforated tray with damp soil mixed with shredded cardboard and leaves, nice and fluffy — it's the worms' home and "mattress."
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4
Release the worms into the bedding and wait 2 or 3 days before feeding, letting them settle into their new space.
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5
Cut kitchen scraps into small pieces and bury them under the bedding each week, alternating corners of the tray — shallow burials attract flies.
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6
When the tray fills up, place the second perforated one on top with fresh bedding: the worms climb up on their own toward fresh food and leave finished humus below.
Finishing touches
the liquid that drains into the bottom tray is a powerful fertilizer — dilute 1 part in 10 parts water before watering plants. Never add too much citrus, meat or seasoned foods, as they acidify the worm bin.
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