Basics of Gardening
Best Worm Compost Bins: Top 5 for Nutrient-Rich Soil
Use your food scraps to create an amazing slow-release organic fertilizer that will supercharge your garden. You won’t believe how easy it is when you use the best worm compost bins.
Our Favorite
- New 2021 patent-pending design eliminates bottom zipper. Still the same large composting capacity.
The Urban Worm Bag Composting Bin Version 2 is undoubtedly the top choice for anyone who’s serious about recycling kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost.
Pros:
- Unmatched Durability: Made from the highest-quality 900D Oxford fabric, the Urban Worm Bag is built to withstand years of use. The material’s breathability ensures the worms stay happy and healthy while they work their magic.
- Effortless Setup: Assembling the metal frame and bin is a piece of cake.
- Odorless Design: Keeps unpleasant odors at bay, allowing you to maintain the compost bin indoors or outdoors without worrying about any foul smells.
- Easy to Use: Add food scraps in the top and remove the worm casting from the bottom. No shuffling of stackable trays.
Cons:
- Initial Investment: Slightly higher upfront cost compared to some other composting bins, but the long-term benefits and ease of use are well worth the investment.
- Size: With its 8 cubic feet capacity, the worm compost bin might be too large for individuals with limited space.
It is said that over 50% of the waste we produce in our homes is compostable. Why send it away to landfill when much of it can be turned in to black gold, vermicompost. It’s a win-win situation, you help save the planet and your garden will thrive. In addition, researchers at Cornell University discovered that the nutrient rich vermicompost helps suppress plant disease.
How Do Worm Compost Bins Work?
Worm composting, also known as vermicomposting, is a process of using worms to break down organic material into nutrient-rich compost. Worm compost bins are specially designed containers that house the worms and the organic waste material.
Here’s how the best worm compost bins work:
- Setting up the bin: A worm compost bin typically consists of a container made of plastic or wood with holes for ventilation. The bottom of the container is lined with a layer of shredded newspaper or cardboard to absorb excess moisture.
- Adding the worms: Next, you’ll need to add composting worms such as red wigglers to the bin. The number of worms you add will depend on the size of your bin and the amount of organic material you plan to compost.
- Feeding the worms: Worms are voracious eaters and can consume up to half their body weight in organic material every day. You can feed your worms a variety of organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste.
- Maintaining the bin: To keep your worm compost bin working efficiently, you’ll need to maintain the right condition. This includes keeping the bin moist but not too wet, adding bedding material regularly, and avoiding adding materials that the worms can’t digest, such as meat or dairy products.
- Harvesting the compost: Over time, the worms will break down the organic material into nutrient-rich compost. You can harvest the compost by removing the top layer of bedding material and using a screen to sift out the compost. The compost can then be used to fertilize your plants and gardens.
The best worm compost bins work by creating the optimal conditions for the worms to thrive and break down organic material into nutrient-rich compost. By following the steps above, you can create your own worm compost bin and reduce your carbon footprint while improving your soil’s health.
Use the proper worms in your compost bin
You’ll also need to use the proper worms in your worm bin. Many people attempt to put common earthworms in their worm bin and quickly end up with a rotting mess of food scraps. Red worms, aka red wigglers, are the most common type of compost worm. They readily feed on food scraps, paper, coffee grounds, and more. Red wigglers eat half their body weight per week. More worms, more compost.
- 1,200 Live Red Worms / Red Wiggles!
Summary of the Best Worm Compost Bins
Our Favorite – Urban Worm Bag
Largest Capacity – Hungry Bin Vermicomposter
Best Bang For The Buck – VermiHut Plus 5-Tray
Best Stackable System – Worm Factory 360
Best Indoor Composter – The Essential Living Composter
More information about these products below.
Benefits of Worm Composting
Worm composting is an environmentally friendly and effective way to reduce waste, create nutrient-rich compost, and improve soil health.
There are many advantages to using a worm compost bin, including:
Create nutrient-rich compost – Worm composting produces a high-quality compost that is rich in nutrients that will improve the soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient content, promoting healthy plant growth.
Reduces waste – By composting organic waste in a worm bin, you can divert a significant amount of waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to preserve valuable landfill space.
Easy to maintain – Worm composting is relatively low-maintenance and requires only basic upkeep such as feeding the worms and keeping the bin moist.
Save money – Using worm compost instead of store-bought fertilizers can save money in the long run, and it can also reduce the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides.
Great for indoor or small space gardening – Worm composting can be done indoors or in small spaces, making it an ideal option for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space.
Our Picks for the Best Worm Compost Bins
Largest Capacity
- EASY TO USE: The Hungry Bin is a continuous flow-through worm composter designed to simplify composting. Unlike traditional compost bins, it doesn’t require turning, stirring, or mixing. The…
An excellent option for those looking to begin or expand their worm composting efforts. Its user-friendly design, high capacity, and efficient composting process make it a top choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Pros
- Easy to Set Up and Use – The Hungry Bin is simple to assemble and has a user-friendly design, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced composters alike.
- High Capacity – With the ability to process up to 4.4 pounds of food waste per day, the Hungry Bin can accommodate a large amount of organic material, making it suitable for households of various sizes.
- Efficient Composting Process – The flow-through design encourages worms to move upwards as they consume food waste, leaving behind their nutrient-rich castings, which can be easily harvested from the bottom tray.
- Durable and Sturdy Design – The Hungry Bin is made from high-quality, UV-resistant plastic, ensuring its longevity and ability to withstand the elements outdoors.
Cons
- Price – While the Hungry Bin offers many benefits, it is priced higher than some other worm composting systems on the market.
- Weight and Mobility – The Hungry Bin can become quite heavy when full, making it challenging to move or transport.
Best Bang For The Buck
- We are the original developer of the VermiHut Plus worm compost bin. Lately, a Chinese finanaced company clonged our design and made the black color. Please support the America design and say “No” to…
The VermiHut Plus 5-Tray Worm Compost System is an attractive and efficient solution for those looking to engage in worm composting. Its stackable design, odor control, and ease of use make it a popular option for eco-conscious gardeners.
Pros
- Stackable and Expandable Design – Features a 5-tray design that allows for easy expansion as your worm population grows. This stackable system also saves space in your garden or yard.
- Odorless and Mess-Free – Equipped with a unique air ventilation system that helps to control moisture and minimize odors, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Aesthetically Pleasing – The sleek and modern design is not only functional but also visually appealing.
- Easy to Harvest Compost – The tray-based design allows for simple and efficient harvesting of worm castings.
Cons
- Assembly Instructions – Some users have found the assembly instructions to be somewhat unclear, which may make the initial setup more challenging for those unfamiliar with worm composting systems.
- Size and Capacity – Those with larger amounts of food waste may require additional trays or a larger worm composting system.
Best Stackable
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The expandable design, unique airflow system, and comprehensive instruction manual make it a top choice for both beginners and experienced composters. Below are some pros and cons of this particular worm compost bin:
Pros
- Expandable and Space-Saving Design – Stackable design with four trays included, allowing for expansion as your worm population grows. This space-saving system is ideal for small gardens or yards.
- Thermo-Siphon Airflow System – This unique airflow system helps to maintain optimal temperature and moisture levels within the bin.
- Comprehensive Instruction Manual – Comes with a detailed instruction manual that covers all aspects of worm composting, making it a great choice for beginners.
- High-Quality Materials – Made from high-quality, recycled plastic, ensuring durability and longevity in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Cons
- Initial Setup Time – Can be time-consuming, especially for those new to worm composting. However, once set up, the system is relatively low-maintenance.
Best Indoor Composter
- Harness The Power of the Worm – Worm composters (vermicomposters) are an easy and efficient way to quickly compost a variety of food and other scraps found around the home. The resulting worm…
This worm compost bin has a small footprint that enables users to transform food waste into nutrient-rich compost indoors. It has a stylish design and comes in a choice of colors to match your decor.
Pros
- Compact Design – Makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space in their garden, yard, or home.
- Stylish Appearance – Available in several color choices. The sleek design makes it an attractive addition to any home or garden setting.
- Durable Construction – Made from high-quality, UV-resistant plastic, built to withstand the elements and provide years of reliable use.
- Easy to Use – The simple design of this worm compost bin ensures ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced composters.
Cons
- Capacity – Has a smaller capacity than some other worm composting systems on the market, which may make it less suitable for households with larger amounts of food waste.
- Lack of Airflow System – This worm compost bin does not include a built-in airflow system, which may require users to monitor moisture and temperature levels more closely.
Best Indoor Composter
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Worm Compost Bins
Size/Capacity
The size of your worm compost bin will depend on the amount of organic waste you generate and the space you have available. If you generate a lot of waste, you may need a larger bin to accommodate it. However, larger bins take up more space, so make sure you have enough room before purchasing.
Material
Worm compost bins are available in various materials, most commonly fabric or plastic. The plastic bins are lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean. If you choose a fabric worm composter, be sure it’s made from a durable material. Consider the pros and cons of each material and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Ventilation
Worms require oxygen to survive, and proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the buildup of toxic gases and odors in the bin. Look for bins that have adequate ventilation, such as air holes or mesh screens, to ensure a healthy environment for your worms.
Drainage
Proper drainage is essential to prevent excess moisture from building up in the bin, which can cause the compost to become waterlogged and may harm your worms. Make sure your bin has adequate drainage holes or a spigot at the bottom to remove excess moisture.
Ease of use
Look for a worm compost bin that is easy to set up and maintain. Some features to consider include easy access to the compost, removable trays or bins for easy harvesting, and a lid that is easy to remove for adding food scraps. Single bin types have one compartment that can be opened from the bottom to extract the worm compost.
Durability
Worm composting is a long-term investment, so you want to choose a bin that is durable and can withstand regular use over time. Look for bins made from sturdy materials that are designed to last.
Cost
Worm compost bins can range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when making your selection. Cheaper bins may lack some features or durability, while more expensive ones may come with additional features and better build quality.
Compatibility with your composting goals
Worm compost bins come in various types, each with unique features and functions. Some bins are designed for indoor use, while others are better suited for outdoor use. Others may be more suitable for certain types of food scraps or garden waste. Consider the type of composting you want to do and select a bin that aligns with your goals.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a single bin system that’s easy to use and has a large capacity, we recommend the Urban Worm Bag. While the Hungry Bin has the largest capacity, the price may put off many gardeners. If stackable worm composters are more your thing, the Worm Factory 360 is the best bang for the buck. For a smaller stylish indoor system, we recommend the Essential Living Composter which comes in several color choices and doesn’t look out of place in the kitchen.
We operate two different worm bins, one indoor and one outdoor. The outdoor system we use and love is the Urban Worm Bag. It has a large capacity and doesn’t involve shuffling a lot of trays to retrieve the vermicompost. Indoors we use the Essential Living Composter. We find that using both systems is ideal and gives us a place to keep our worms until the end of winter while still producing worm castings.
I hope this review has been helpful in your search for the best worm compost bins. If you’re handy, why not try making your own DIY worm compost bin.
FAQ: Worm Compost Bins
Do worm compost bins smell?
If you feed an appropriate amount that the compost worms can consume in a reasonable time, you will have no bad odors. If your bin is being fed properly it will smell like fresh garden soil.
Should I bury the food in my worm bin?
Yes, cover all food scraps with bedding material to prevent fruit flies. This will be especially important if you use the worm compost bin indoors. Common bedding material includes things like shredded paper, coconut coir, straw/hay, or fall leaves.
What is a compost worms’ favorite food?
Compost worms love melon rinds, squash, and pumpkin. They have a high sugar content and break down easily. Coffee grounds are another favorite of compost worms.
Do compost worms like grass clippings?
Grass clippings and leaves from the garden are an excellent way to feed your worms. Just be sure and dry them out before you add them to the worm compost bin.
What not to put in a worm farm?
Things you should avoid putting in the worm composter are meats, cheese, citrus, onions, and animal feces. Meats and fatty foods will go rancid, citrus and onions are undesirable to worms, and animal feces may carry unwanted bacteria.
