How to compost with worms (vermicomposting) at home
Worm composting (vermicomposting) is a controlled, low-odor way to turn kitchen scraps into worm castings. Done right, it's great for apartments: small footprint, no yard required, and less organic trash.
This guide walks through a simple setup: materials, feeding, moisture/odor control, and harvesting.
🧰What you need (short list)
- A worm bin: lid, ventilation, and drainage (or a tray).
- Bedding: shredded cardboard/paper, coco coir, dry leaves.
- Kitchen scraps: mostly fruit/veg, in small portions.
- A spray bottle (for moisture) and a small scoop.
🧩Step-by-step: setup and start
- Prepare bedding: shredded cardboard/paper + a bit of moisture. Aim for a “wrung-out sponge”.
- Add bedding to the bin (don't compact too much).
- Add worms and let them settle.
- Start with small feedings: 1–2 times per week at first, in one corner, always covered with bedding.
- Rotate feeding spots to reduce odor and fruit flies.
Practical rule: if it smells bad, it's usually too much food or too much moisture with not enough airflow.
🥬What to add (and what to avoid)
Yes (best for beginners)
- Fruit/vegetable scraps (chopped smaller).
- Used coffee grounds (in moderation).
- Dry bedding: cardboard/paper and leaves (balances moisture).
Avoid (to prevent odors)
- Meat, dairy, and greasy foods.
- Large amounts of citrus/onion/garlic.
- Cooked food with sauces or salt.
🛠️Common issues (quick fixes)
Strong odor
Feed less, add more dry bedding, improve airflow, and bury scraps under bedding.
Fruit flies
Cover scraps with bedding, freeze scraps before adding, and don't leave food exposed.
Too dry
Mist water gradually and mix bedding. Avoid soaking.
Too wet
Add cardboard/paper, check drainage, and reduce high-water scraps.
🪱 Start with a worm compost bin
A sturdy bin with ventilation and drainage makes the system more stable and odor-resistant.
Browse worm bins →✓ Contained ✓ Low odor ✓ Indoor-friendly
🌱How to harvest castings (without chaos)
- Stop feeding one side and feed the other side for 1–2 weeks.
- Once most worms migrate, remove the dark, crumbly material.
- Use castings sparingly as a soil amendment for pots or garden.
🌿 Bedding on hand (coco coir) to balance moisture
Keeping dry bedding available helps prevent odors and fruit flies by covering scraps and improving texture.
Browse coco coir →✓ Moisture control ✓ Less odor ✓ More stable
📚Related reading
🏁Conclusion
Vermicomposting works best when you keep it simple: small feedings, plenty of dry bedding, airflow, and patience. With that, your organic waste becomes a useful resource for plants.
Less trash, more living soil.