How to Set Up a Simple Worm Farm Using Recycled Materials 

Did you know that many household food scraps can be turned into nutrient-rich fertiliser? Instead of food waste ending up in landfill, valuable nutrients can be returned to the soil through worm warming. Worm farming is an easy way to reduce household food waste while producing nutrient-rich natural fertiliser, known as worm castings.

According to local worm farming experts at Diggory Worms, worm castings contain significantly more plant-available nutrients than traditional compost and are naturally pH neutral, making them an excellent addition to vegetable gardens and home gardens.

When more households have the skills and confidence to grow food, compost organic waste and care for healthy soils, it contributes to stronger, more sustainable local food systems and greater food security for our community. That’s why we recently teamed up with Bendigo Community Health Services and Long Gully Neighbourhood House to run two workshops with Bendigo’s Karen community- teaching participants how to build a simple worm farm using materials found around the home.

“We didn’t know we could use worms to create a liquid that is good for plants. This is good knowledge to have,” said a participant.

Learn how to make your own worm farm!

What You’ll Need 

  • 2 rectangular polystyrene foam boxes
  • 1 matching lid
  • 250g compost worms (Red Wigglers, Tigers, or Blues)
  • Soil
  • Food scraps (avoid dairy, meat, citrus, garlic, and onion)
  • 1 piece of hessian large enough to cover the bottom of the box
  • Newspaper
  • Water
  • Scissors

Step 1: Prepare the Worm Farm 

Using scissors, carefully make several drainage holes in the base of one foam box. Line the bottom with hessian and add a small layer of soil. 

Add the compost worms, followed by food scraps and shredded newspaper. Lightly water the contents to create a moist environment for the worms. 

Step 2: Assemble the System 

Place the box containing the worms on top of the second empty foam box. The bottom box will collect the liquid fertiliser produced by the worms in the top box. 

Fit the lid securely and place the worm farm in a cool, shaded location protected from direct sunlight and heavy rain. 

Step 3: Let Nature Do the Work 

The worms will begin breaking down the food scraps and bedding material, producing nutrient-rich worm castings and liquid fertiliser. Regular feeding and maintenance will help keep the worm farm healthy and productive. 

Step 4: Using the Fertiliser 

Collect the liquid fertiliser from the bottom box and dilute it with equal parts water (50:50 ratio). Apply it around plants and garden beds to improve soil health and encourage plant growth. 

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Worm Farm 

  • Feed worms a balanced mix of approximately 40% dry materials and 60% food scraps.  
  • Dry materials can include shredded newspaper, cardboard, paper egg cartons, dry leaves and other carbon-rich materials. Dry materials help absorb excess moisture, reduce odours, improve airflow and create a comfortable bedding environment for worms. 
  • Chop food scraps into smaller pieces to help them break down faster. 
  • Add water when needed to keep the bedding moist but not waterlogged. 
  • Keep the worm farm out of direct sunlight and heavy rain. 
  • To deter insects, sprinkle a small amount of garden lime on the surface. 
  • If the worm farm develops an unpleasant smell, add extra shredded newspaper, gently mix the contents, and apply a small amount of garden lime on top. 

Ready to Start Your Own Worm Farm? 

For compost worms, advice and additional information, visit Diggory Worms.

This workshop is part of our Grow Share Food Hub and is proudly supported by Bendigo UFS Pharmacies, Bendigo City of Gastronomy and the City of Greater Bendigo.