Transforming an Old Bathtub into a Thriving Worm Farm

In today’s world, where environmental concerns and sustainability are at the forefront of our minds, finding creative ways to repurpose old objects has become a popular trend. While recycling and upcycling have gained significant traction, a lesser-known yet, utilizing an old bathtub as a worm farm is an incredibly beneficial practice. Yes, you read that right—by repurposing a seemingly outdated and unused fixture, you can embark on a fascinating journey of vermiculture and turn your garden into a thriving oasis of organic goodness.
Worm farming, or vermicomposting, is a natural and efficient method of recycling organic waste using earthworms. These humble creatures can transform kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and other organic materials into nutrient-rich vermicompost, often referred to as “black gold” by avid gardeners. With an old bathtub serving as the perfect container for this venture, you can embark on an eco-friendly journey that reduces waste and benefits your plants and the overall health of your garden.

Repurposing an old bathtub as a worm farm not only breathes new life into a forgotten object but also demonstrates the power of sustainable practices in our everyday lives. By adopting this innovative approach to recycling organic waste, you can witness firsthand how nature’s smallest helpers can contribute to a greener, more vibrant future.

Turning an old bathtub into a worm farm can be a fun and eco-friendly project. Here’s a step-by-step process to guide you through the transformation:

1. Choose a suitable bathtub: Look for an old bathtub that you no longer need or can repurpose. Ensure it’s clean and free from any chemicals or residues that could harm the worms.
2. Prepare the bathtub: Clean the bathtub thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. If there are any drainage holes, cover them with fine mesh or screens to prevent the worms from escaping.
3. Create a drainage system: Worms need proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. Drill several small holes in the bottom of the bathtub to allow excess water to drain out. Elevate one end of the bathtub to create a slope for better drainage.
4. Add bedding material: Worms need a suitable material to live and thrive in. Standard bedding options include shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or these materials. Moisten the bedding with water until it reaches a damp, sponge-like consistency.
5. Introduce worms: Purchase composting worms like red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) or tiger worms (Eisenia Andrei) from a reputable supplier. These worms are efficient decomposers and perfect for vermicomposting. Start with a small number of worms, such as a kilo or two, and gradually increase the population as the worm farm develops.
6. Provide food for the worms: Worms require organic matter for food. They feed on kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, crushed eggshells, and small amounts of non-greasy food scraps. Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, and citrus peels, as they can attract pests or harm the worms.
7. Maintain the moisture level: Ensure the worm bedding remains moist but not soggy. Regularly monitor the moisture level and mist the bedding with water if it becomes dry. Add a damp newspaper or cardboard layer to retain moisture and create a dark environment the worms prefer.
8. Cover the worm farm: Place a breathable cover over the bathtub, such as a piece of hessian, cardboard  or an old towel. This helps maintain moisture and provides a dark and secure space for the worms.
9. Manage the worm farm: Feed the worms regularly by burying the food scraps into the bedding. Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to odours and attract pests. Monitor the worm population’s moisture level, temperature, and overall health. Adjust as needed by adding water or adjusting the bedding.
10. Harvest worm castings: Over time, the worms will digest the organic matter and convert it into nutrient-rich worm castings, also known as vermicompost. Harvest the worm castings by gently scooping them out from the surface. Use the vermicompost to enrich your garden soil or potting mixes.

Pro’s and Con’s

Bathtub worm farming, or vermicomposting, composes organic waste using worms in a bathtub or similar container. Like any approach, it has its pros and cons:

Pros of Bathtub Worm Farming:

1. Efficient composting: Worms in a controlled environment, such as a bathtub, can rapidly break down organic waste into rich vermicompost. The worms’ digestive process helps accelerate decomposition, producing nutrient-rich compost.
2. Minimal space requirements: Bathtub worm farming is ideal for individuals with limited space, such as apartment dwellers or those without access to a garden. It allows composting to occur indoors without needing large outdoor bins or gardens.
3. Year-round composting: By maintaining a controlled environment indoors, you can compost throughout the year, regardless of external weather conditions. This provides a consistent supply of nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
4. Reduced waste sent to landfill: By composting organic waste using worms, you divert waste from landfills, reducing the environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste decomposition.
5. Educational value: Bathtub worm farming can be fascinating for children and adults. It offers insights into the natural decomposition process, the importance of recycling organic waste, and the interdependence of ecosystems.

Cons of Bathtub Worm Farming:

1. Limited capacity: Bathtubs come in many shapes and sizes, so you need a size that can fill your space. You may not be able to compost large amounts of organic waste, depending on the size of your bathtub.
2. Odour and pest issues: Worm bins can develop unpleasant odours if proper maintenance and balance are not maintained. Overfeeding or improper moisture control can attract pests like fruit flies or mites. Diligent care is required to avoid such problems.
3. Temperature and moisture regulation: Worms thrive within specific temperature and moisture ranges. You must monitor and regulate the conditions to keep the worms healthy and active. Extreme temperatures or excessive moisture can harm the worms or disrupt composting.
4. Initial setup and maintenance: Setting up a bathtub worm farm can require effort and planning. You must create suitable bedding for the worms, introduce them to their new environment, and regularly maintain the bin by adding food scraps and maintaining proper moisture levels. This can be time-consuming and may require periodic adjustments.
5. Limited worm casting collection: In a bathtub worm farm, the volume of worm castings produced may be limited due to space constraints. Suppose you have high composting needs or desire a larger supply of vermicompost. In that case, you may explore alternative methods, such as larger outdoor bins or dedicated worm farms.

Considering these pros and cons is essential when deciding whether bathtub worm farming is the suitable composting method for your needs.

Feeding Our Worms

Worms can be fed a variety of organic materials. Here are some standard options for feeding worms:

1. Kitchen Scraps: Vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, and crushed eggshells can be excellent food sources for worms.
2. Garden Waste: Leaves, grass clippings, small prunings, and plant trimmings can be added to the worm bin. Avoid adding large branches or woody materials as they take longer to decompose.
3. Cardboard and Paper: Shredded newspaper, cardboard, and paper products can be used as bedding material for worms. They will also consume some of it as food.
4. Manure: Cow, horse, or poultry manure (such as chicken) can provide worms with a nutrient-rich food source. However, ensure the waste is well-aged or composted before feeding it to the worms to avoid any potential harmful effects.
5. Vermicompost: Adding partially decomposed compost or vermicompost from an existing worm bin can help provide a good food source for the worms.
6. Avoid: Foods that are oily, fatty, or high in salt should be avoided, as well as meat, dairy products, and processed foods. These can attract pests or produce odours in the worm bin.

Remember to feed worms in moderation and provide a balanced diet. It’s essential to monitor the moisture levels in the worm bin and avoid overfeeding, as excess food can cause issues such as odour or acidic conditions. Start with small amounts of food and observe how quickly the worms consume it before adding more.

Caring for our Worms

Caring for worm farms involves creating a suitable environment for the worms and maintaining their health and productivity. Here are some tips to help you best manage your worm farm:

1. Choose the correct container: Select a suitable container for your worm farm, such as a plastic or wooden bin with a lid. Ensure it has good ventilation and drainage holes and is large enough to accommodate the amount of organic waste you generate.
2. Bedding material: Start with bedding material to create a comfortable environment for the worms. Shredded newspaper, cardboard, coconut coir, or a mixture of these materials work well. Moisten the bedding until it feels like a damp sponge.
3. Add worms: Purchase red worms (Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei) from a reputable source. Start with a sufficient number of worms, such as 1,000 for a typical household.
4. Feeding: Feed the worms a balanced diet of kitchen scraps, vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and crushed eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy products, oily food, and excessive citrus or acidic materials.
5. Feeding quantities: Start by adding small amounts of food, gradually increasing the dose as the worms multiply. Bury the food scraps under the bedding to prevent fruit flies and odour.
6. Moisture levels: Worms require a moist environment but not overly wet. Ensure the bedding remains damp but not soggy. If it’s too dry, mist it with water; if it’s too wet, add dry bedding material.
7. Temperature and location: Keep the worm farm in a shaded area protected from extreme temperatures. The ideal temperature range for worms is between 13°C to 25°C.
8. Avoid overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to food scraps rotting and creating unpleasant odours. Only add more food when the worms primarily consume the previous feeding.
9. Maintain balance: If the bin becomes too acidic, add crushed eggshells or dolomite lime to neutralize the acidity. Add small amounts of moistened peat moss or shredded newspaper if it becomes too alkaline.
10. Harvesting compost: As the worms break down the organic matter, the castings (worm poop) will accumulate. Harvest the compost by moving the bedding to one side of the bin and adding fresh bedding and food to the other side. The worms will migrate to the new bedding, and you can collect the finished compost from the harvested side.

Caring for worm farms requires regular monitoring. Observe the worms’ activity, check moisture levels, and adjust feeding as needed. Your worm farm will produce nutrient-rich compost with proper care and help reduce waste.