Creating a Wormery in your Garden

Wormeries can be a great addition to any garden as a way of making compost for to help your plants grow. Even though some people might find them a little disgusting, they can also function as a great conversation starter with guests. If you want to have one in your garden but aren’t sure how to go about it, this guide could help you!

You can buy pre-made wormeries, that require no more than adding worms, such as this beehive wormery on our website. However, if you want to be creative and make your own, here’s how!

What will you need:

  • A plastic box with a lid (the larger the box, the bigger your wormery)
  • A drill
  • Two blocks to stand the box on (wooden blocks or bricks will suffice)
  • Sheets of newspaper or cardboard
  • Stones or twigs for drainage (optional)
  • Worms and bedding for them (compost will do)

Step 1

Drill holes in the base of your box. The number will depend on the size of your box, but use common sense to judge how many will allow sufficient airflow in the wormery. Use a drill piece of about 1.5 centimeters- much larger and the contents may fall out quickly, much smaller and they may become blocked.

Step 2

Choose the position in which you want your wormery to be in the garden. Place the box on your blocks, the bricks or wooden blocks. This will allow air to flow freely through the wormery box.

Step 3

If you’re using drainage, you should layer this over the bottom of the box. This might aid aeration,  but your wormery will still function without it. On top of this (or instead) you should lay your sheet of newspaper or cardboard that will stop your worms from falling through the holes.

Step 4

Drill small holes in the lid of your wormery. The number of holes you need will depend on where you place your wormery. A more sheltered position will allow for many holes (lots are good for aeration), but if your wormery will be in an open space you should drill fewer holes otherwise it could become waterlogged in the rain. You can also add a few very small holes to the sides of your box, if you wish,  to increase airflow in the wormery.

Step 5

Add a layer of compost to the bottom of your wormery about an inch thick. Any compost would suffice, but the best compost to use, if possible, would be that of another wormery. You should then add the worms, which can be bought on our website, or in garden centres. NOTE: worms in the soil in your garden will not be suitable.

Step 6

Add your garden waste- vegetable peelings, tea bags and banana skins are great. You should avoid adding foods that are very oily or very acidic, but whatever waste you add should be mixed with about 20% woodchips or cardboard- anything rich in carbon.

Step 7

Cover the worms with another sheet of cardboard or newspaper, and secure the lid of the box.

Do you have any more tips on how to create a wormery in your garden? Share your ideas in the comments below!

[Photo Credit: English Girl at Home]