Worm Farm

Step one
Lightly sand the outside of the metal laundry tub to ‘key’ the surface and wipe off any sanding residue with a clean cloth.

Step two
Measure, mark and cut four pieces of recycled wood approximately 680mm in length. We used old fence palings, a piece of 130mm x 25mm timber and a piece of 40mm x 20mm timber. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step four
Measure, mark and cut two 470mm lengths of the 40mm x 20mm timber. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.

Step five
Attach these to the three remaining 680mm lengths of timber, as shown, fixing with 40mm screws. This will form the lid of the worm farm.

Step six
Prime both sides of the wooden lid with one coat of Resene Quick Dry and allow to dry.

Step eight
Apply two coats of Resene Lustacryl tinted to Resene Palm Leaf to both sides of the lid and the outside of the metal laundry tub, allowing two hours for each coat to dry.

Step nine
Position the worm farm against a shed wall or a fence, standing it on treated wood or bricks/ pavers to keep it off the ground.

Step ten
Fix the lid to the worm farm using the two galvanised hinges.

Step twelve
Place a 50mm layer of drainage gravel on top of this.

Step thirteen
Cut a piece of shade cloth or windbreak fabric to cover the drainage gravel, as shown.

Step fourteen
Place a generous layer of compost mixed with a little pea straw on top of this, as shown.

Step sixteen
Carefully spread out the purchased worm mix over the top of the moist ‘bedding’, incorporating any cardboard packaging the worms were sent in.

Step seventeen
Cover the surface with a damp towel or blanket, as shown.

Step eighteen
To prevent possible escapees, block up the overflow outlet with duct tape. Shut the lid and let the worms settle in for a week before starting to feed them.