Vermicomposting in Small Spaces: Apartment Worm Composting Guide 🪴

No backyard? No problem. With just a little space and a handful of red wigglers, you can turn your kitchen scraps into rich compost—even in a studio apartment.

This beginner-friendly guide will show you how to set up a compact, odor-free worm bin in your home. It's clean, sustainable, and easier than you think.

🧠 Why Vermicomposting Works Indoors

Vermicomposting is a great match for small spaces:

• Compact systems fit under sinks, in closets, or on balconies

• No bad smell when managed properly

• Reduces food waste without needing an outdoor compost pile

  
  

For urban dwellers and apartment vermicomposting gardeners, worm composting is an eco-friendly solution that brings nutrient-rich soil to your houseplants, containers, or community plots.

🪛 What You’ll Need for Apartment Vermicomposting

Item	Details
Worm bin	Use a compact plastic bin, stackable tray system, or DIY container with airflow
Bedding	Shredded paper, cardboard, or coconut coir
Red wigglers	½ to 1 lb is perfect for a household of 1–2 people
Kitchen scraps	Veggie peels, coffee grounds, eggshells—chopped small for faster breakdown

🏠 Where to Place Your Worm Bin

Ideal indoor spots include:

• Under the kitchen sink

• A corner of the laundry room

• On a shaded balcony

• In a closet (with ventilation)

  
  

Keep the bin between 55–77°F. Avoid direct sunlight or freezing temperatures.

🧃 What to Feed Your Worms Indoors

✅ YES:

• Fruit and veggie scraps

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Crushed eggshells

• Shredded newspaper

  
  

❌ NO:

• Meat, dairy, or oily foods

• Spicy or salty foods

• Excess citrus

• Processed or moldy foods

  
  

Pro Tip: Feed in small amounts 2–3 times per week. Bury food in the bedding to prevent fruit flies.

🧼 How to Prevent Smells & Pests

• Smells bad? You may be overfeeding or lacking ventilation

• Fruit flies? Freeze or microwave scraps first and keep them buried

• Too wet? Add dry bedding like cardboard or newspaper

• Too dry? Mist lightly with water

• 
  

When managed properly, your bin should smell like fresh soil.

🔁 Harvesting Worm Castings in a Small Bin

Every 2–3 months:

1. Push the contents to one side.

2. Add fresh bedding and food to the empty side.

3. Wait a week for worms to migrate.

4. Scoop out the finished compost!

   
   

Use worm castings on:

• Potted houseplants

• Herb gardens

• Indoor grow systems

• Balcony containers

🧑‍🌾 Real-Life Example: One-Composter Apartment

Emma, a gardener in a 600 sq. ft. Brooklyn apartment, keeps her worm bin under the sink. She feeds it weekly, waters her plants with worm tea, and uses the castings for her window garden.

“It’s so satisfying to turn garbage into something that helps my plants thrive. And it doesn’t smell!”

Just getting started with Vermicomposting?

👉Click here to check out our Guidie for Beginner Vermicomposters here

🪱 How to Start Vermicomposting at Home: A Beginner’s Guide

If you're looking for a sustainable, space-saving way to turn food scraps into garden gold, vermicomposting is the answer. Whether you're working with a backyard garden or a small apartment balcony, composting with worms is surprisingly simple—and incredibly effective.

🌱 What Is Vermicomposting?

Vermicomposting is the process of using specific types of worms—usually red wigglers (Eisenia fetida)—to break down food waste and organic material into rich, nutrient-packed compost called worm castings.

This method is odor-free, compact, and perfect for home gardeners who want to:

• Improve soil quality

• Reduce food waste

• Support a more sustainable lifestyle

  
  
  
  

🌟 Why Use Worms to Compost?

Worms are nature’s most efficient recyclers. With a worm bin, you can turn kitchen scraps into a powerful natural fertilizer that helps plants grow faster and stronger.

Benefits of vermicomposting:

• Produces a high-quality compost rich in nutrients and microbes

• Ideal for small spaces and urban settings

• Reduces your household waste

• Fun and educational for kids and families

  
  
  
  

🧰 What You’ll Need to Get Started

Starting a worm bin doesn’t require fancy gear. Here’s a quick list of essentials:

Item	Description
Worm bin	Can be store-bought or DIY; should be opaque and well-ventilated
Bedding	Shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or aged compost
Worms	Use red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) — not earthworms from your yard
Food scraps	Vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, etc.

🪛 How to Set Up Your Worm Bin (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the bedding – Moisten shredded newspaper or cardboard until it's as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

2. Add bedding to the bin – Fill ⅓ to ½ of your bin with the damp bedding.

3. Add your worms – Gently place your red wigglers on top. They’ll dig down on their own.

4. Start feeding – Add a small handful of kitchen scraps in one corner of the bin.

5. Cover and maintain – Keep the lid on and store in a cool, shaded spot (ideally 55–77°F).

   
   

🍌 What to Feed (and What Not to Feed) Your Worms

✅ Worm-Friendly Foods:

• Vegetable and fruit scraps

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Crushed eggshells

• Tea bags (no staples)

❌ Avoid:

• Meat, dairy, or oily foods

• Citrus in excess

• Onions and garlic

• Processed foods or anything salty

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfeeding: Only feed what the worms can eat in 2–3 days.

• Poor ventilation: Drill air holes to prevent anaerobic conditions.

• Too wet or too dry: Bedding should stay moist, but not soggy.

• Wrong type of worm: Red wigglers thrive in bins—garden worms do not.

🧪 How to Harvest Your Worm Castings

After 2–3 months, you’ll see dark, crumbly compost. To harvest:

• Push the contents to one side of the bin.

• Add fresh bedding and food to the empty side.

• Wait 1–2 weeks for worms to migrate.

• Scoop out the finished compost and use it in your garden or potted plants.

❓ FAQ

Q: Do worm bins smell?A: Not if managed correctly! A healthy worm bin smells earthy, not rotten.

Q: How many worms do I need to start?A: For a household of 2–4 people, 1 pound of red wigglers is ideal.

Q: Can I keep a worm bin indoors?A: Absolutely! Many people keep bins under the sink, in laundry rooms, or on balconies.

🌻 Ready to Start Your Own Worm Bin?

Check out these Worm Bin Starter Kits and Red Wiggler Worms to get started today. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned gardener, vermicomposting is a game-changer for your garden and the planet.

Is Mold in My Compost, Okay??

Mold in Compost

Help! There's Mold in my Compost. What now?

In this blog, we'll review some of the most common questions and concerns when it comes to mold appearing in your compost.

Mold is a common sight in compost piles. While some gardeners may be alarmed by the appearance of mold, it is actually a normal and expected part of the composting process.

In fact, mold is a crucial component in breaking down organic matter and turning it into nutrient-rich soil. It's important to keep in mind, not all molds are good molds.

Types of Molds in Compost

There are many different types of mold that can appear in a compost pile. Some are harmless and even beneficial, while others can be harmful to humans and plants. Here are a few of the most common types of mold found in compost:

• White mold: This is a common type of mold that is often found in compost piles. It is generally harmless and can even help break down organic matter.

• Black mold: This type of mold can be harmful to humans and plants. It is often associated with damp or wet conditions and can cause respiratory problems if inhaled.

• Green mold: This type of mold is typically found in compost piles that are too wet. It can cause the compost to smell bad and slow down the composting process.

• Gray mold: This type of mold is also known as botrytis and can be harmful to plants. It is often found in compost piles that are too moist or in areas with poor air circulation.

So, Which Mold is Okay to See in My Compost?

In general, seeing mold in your compost is okay as long as it is not causing any problems. If the mold is white and helping to break down organic matter, there is no need to worry.

If you notice black, green, or gray mold, it may be a sign that your compost pile needs some adjustments.

If you see black, green, or gray mold, it may be a sign that your compost pile is too wet or moist. Try reducing the amount of water you add to the pile while increasing the addition of dry material. Turning the pile will also improve air circulation.

In summary, when asking yourself "Is mold in my compost okay?" generally it is as long as it is not causing any problems. If you notice any mold that is causing issues, it is important to take steps to address the problem and prevent it from getting worse. By keeping an eye on your compost pile and making adjustments as needed, you can help ensure that it produces nutrient-rich soil for your garden.