Prepare Your Worm Bin Before Adding Worms

Step 1: Choose a Beginner-Friendly Worm Bin

You don’t need a fancy system. Most beginners do well with:

• A basic plastic storage tote
• A starter worm bin
• Any shallow container with a lid

What matters more than the bin itself is what’s inside it.

Bin size (keep this flexible)

Choose a bin that gives worms room to spread out. Bigger bins are usually more forgiving than tiny ones. You don’t need exact measurements — just avoid containers that feel cramped.

Step 2: Ventilation and Drainage (Keep This Simple)

There are two beginner-safe approaches here.

Option 1: No Drainage Holes (Very Common)

• Focus on bedding balance
• Avoid overwatering
• Easier for beginners to manage

Option 2: Drainage + Airflow

• Small holes for airflow
• Optional drainage holes if you’re comfortable managing moisture

Both methods work. Worms care more about airflow and bedding balance than hole placement. If this feels confusing, start simple. You can always adjust later.

Step 3: Add Bedding (This Is the Most Important Step)

Before worms arrive, your bin should be mostly bedding.

Bedding:

• Holds moisture
• Allows airflow
• Absorbs smells
• Acts as food as it breaks down

For beginners, shredded cardboard is the best foundation.

For a full breakdown, see: Best Red Wiggler Bedding (What Works & Why)

How much bedding?

More than you think. A good rule:

• Bedding should make up the majority of the bin
• Food comes later

Extra bedding prevents most early problems.

Step 4: Moisten Bedding to the Right Level

This step matters more than exact feeding amounts. Bedding should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

When you squeeze it:

• A few drops = perfect
• Dripping = too wet
• No moisture = too dry

Visual checks that help

• Worms spread out later = good
• Standing water = add dry bedding
• Strong smell = bedding imbalance, not failure

Step 5: Add Grit (Optional, Simple)

Grit helps worms digest food, but beginners don’t need to stress about it. If you want to include grit:

• Crushed eggshells work well
• A small amount is enough

If you skip this step, that’s okay. Bedding and patience matter more.

Step 6: Let the Bin Sit (Short Rest Period)

Once bedding is added and moistened:

• Close the bin
• Let it sit for a few hours or overnight

This helps moisture distribute evenly and prevents surprises when worms arrive.

Step 7: Add Worms Gently

When your worms arrive:

• Place them on top of the bedding
• Leave the bin open with light for a few minutes
• Let worms move down on their own

This helps them orient and reduces stress. You don’t need to mix them in.

Step 8: First Feeding (Be Conservative)

You have two safe options. I recommend the more conservative one for beginners.

Option A (Recommended): Wait a Few Days

• Let worms settle
• No feeding right away

Option B: Tiny Starter Feeding

• A very small amount
• Bury it well in bedding

If you’re unsure, waiting is always safer.

For food guidance, see:
What to Feed Red Wigglers (Beginner Food List)

A Gentle “What NOT to Do” List

These are common — and easy to avoid.

• Don’t overfeed
• Don’t stir the bin constantly
• Don’t soak bedding
• Don’t panic if worms move slowly at first

Quiet bins are often healthy bins.

Where to Place Your Worm Bin

Good placement helps worms settle faster. Look for:

• Indoor locations
• Steady temperatures
• Shade and airflow

Avoid:

• Direct sun
• Freezing areas
• Hot garages

Comfort matters more than convenience.

How to Know Your Bin Is Ready

Before worms arrive, your bin is ready if:

• Bedding is moist, not wet
• There’s plenty of cardboard
• The bin smells neutral or earthy

You don’t need perfection — just balance.

Final Reassurance Before Adding Worms

You don’t need to get every detail right. If your bin has:

• Plenty of bedding
• Proper moisture
• Time to settle

Your worms will adjust. Starting calm and simple gives you the best chance of success.