He takes a practical approach to yard improvement and enjoys putting best practices and “golden rules of lawn care” to the test. Unlike corporate website companies, the authors on this website regularly use many of the tips and recommendations provided in their own garden and lawncare. QUESTION: Does a compost bin need air holes? Compost needs air circulation, so lots of holes are needed in the container. Turn the kitchen scrap bin into a conversation piece instead of an eyesore. Here's how to get started. Melon, for example, is very water-rich. Thriving Yard is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. On the other hand, if you underfeed your worms for too long, then they will eventually start to die. Best of all, the wood base with attached caster wheels makes turning your compost in this DIY compost tumbler a cinch — no shoveling required. Yes, def pro composting, but these plastic bins with holes get water in them and become a stinky watery mess. Amazon has put together some great Home Holiday Guide Deals - save money and get your holiday shopping done! No, an unfinished compost pile does not need to be covered in most cases. For instance, it is important to understand the life of an earthworm and how they breathe. Outdoor compost bins don’t really need holes unless they are wholly self-contained like this outdoor tumbler compost bin. If your compost bin is not outside, its aeration will be limited. I have harvested several batches of vermicompost without the drainage holes. Another reason that air holes are so critical in a worm bin is that they help to regulate the moisture levels inside. If your bin doesn’t have adequate air holes, your worms could die, and your vermicompost project will fail. In aerobic composting, oxygen is needed for decomposition. This site is a participant in affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates and earns from qualifying purchases. Sooner or later your compost will get moist. For instance, how many holes are sufficient to keep your worms alive and what kinds of things aren’t good for your worms in the worm bin. Here’s how to do this: Add Bedding One advantage of vermicomposting is that the food gets broken down quicker with the help of worms. So the answer to this problem is to make sure that you keep the bedding of the bin damp to the touch. Thriving Yard is a privately owned website. Well, we have touched extensively on the need for aeration to aid the proper decomposition of the organic material and overall reduce the emission of offensive odor. drill the holes, and don't forget about the bottom. Click here for Paul’s author page. Piles need as much air as you need, and though that sounds like a snide remark, it is really just meant to point out that these natural processes all evolved in a standard atmosphere. Compost bins do need air holes. There are some things to avoid, though. The bacteria that break down leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste into compost need air to function. But you also need to think about drainage. A healthy worm composting bin should have an “earthy” smell. The air dissolves through the mucus of its skin, and as the fresh air is taken in, the oxygen is drawn into the worm’s circulatory system (source). Creating your own worm compost is easy and can save money, and best of all, you can do it anywhere, even in your living room. Air holes actually help to control the temperatures inside your worm bin. Product recommendations not personally owned are based on the author’s knowledge of the company, product, reliability, and reputation. If something stinks, you might not have enough air holes. Open-air bins do better in the shade because direct sunshine can dry them out quickly. Just like opening windows in your home on a spring day, air holes allows the temperature within the bin to regulate and not reach extremes. How to Start Your Worm Composting Bin. The easiest way to buy composting worms is to just purchase them online and have them delivered right to your door. Composting with an Indoor Bin Find a container for your compost. Without air holes, heat would have no way to escape and the temperature-regulated air around it could not enter. As the sun passes through the panel, it gently warms the compost inside. To make sure your bin is properly ventilated, you will need to make sure you create an adequate number of air holes in each side and in the lid. Remember also that the foods you add can significantly increase the amount of moisture in the bin. The above necessities might seem like a lot of work, but I’ve found that if you take the time to set up your worm bin properly in the beginning, it should mostly take care of itself after that. They’re the ones that produce a sewer-type smell, giving a compost pile a funk that’s tough to beat. You might also want to build a hatch into the side of the bin to make it easier to shovel finished compost out of the bin. Drill holes in the lid of the bin as well (you won’t need the second lid). Then the heart pumps the blood back forward again, and the process repeats. Before putting any yard waste in your compost bin, drill some holes into the sides. A compost pile that is working well will produce temperatures of 140-160˚F. Most compost bins are designed to hasten the decomposition of organic matter through proper aeration and moisture retention. Forced air systems allow people to compost who would otherwise have to throw the waste away, or simply make their existing systems more efficient and maximize the available space as a well set up forced air composting system can reduce the time to finished compost … You can purchase live composting worms (link to Amazon) and build a simple DIY worm bin that’s ready to go by the time they arrive. Don’t overdo it, however, as this can create other problems (more on that later). They do not have lungs like humans do, but they breathe oxygen and diffuse carbon dioxide out through their skin. Air holes are necessary to help the composting material “breathe.” The bacteria and other microbes in charge of the decomposition need oxygen to do their jobs, and without holes compost can quickly heat up through excess gas production. Now that your bin is made, you need to add your worms and kitchen scraps. Worms need proper ventilation because, without it, they would die. Crabgrass is an annoying, creeping, annual grass that can quickly invade lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. It may seem like vermicomposting is more work than just building a compost pile because of caring for the worms, but worm bins actually don’t require a great deal of effort once you set them up and learn how to keep them in balance. Beyond water and oxygen, these needs are essentially food and shelter: In order for the living conditions in the worm box to be suitable for sustaining a long life for your worms, it will need to be properly ventilated. Worm bins need air holes to provide ventilation for the worms to breathe. Without it, your compost pile could turn into a stinky mess (literally). The answer to this question varies from worm to worm. Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Holes can be 1½ to 2 inches apart. Examples provided of tested products are actual products owned, tested, and used regularly by the author. To increase the air content in your compost, you can use several different methods. Successful vermicomposting requires and understanding of this complex connection to prevent issues like odors and dying worms. You don’t need a lot of holes, just enough to let air … Maybe. The aerobic composting process generally provides all the heat they need. It is essential to know the basics of vermicomposting before you decide to make your own. They are living things after all, and all living things require some form of temperature control. If a compost pile becomes compacted or gets soaking wet, those little air pockets disappear. Successful vermicomposting requires and understanding of this complex connection to prevent issues like odors and dying worms. Consult our worm bin odor guide if this comes up. Try some of these techniques to boost the airflow inside your compost pile. The lid features a translucent bronze-colored poly panel. A good rule of thumb is to remember that for every pound of worms you have, they can eat a half-pound to one pound of food each day. This can be accomplished by drilling a number of holes into the lid and upper walls of the worm bin when building one as a DIY project. This is why it is highly recommended to keep your worm bin indoors. Spruce up your outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors. It's not just good for the environment: it's good for the garden! I have found smaller holes work better because they prevent compost from oozing out. I see that a lot of the DIY(do it yourself) worm bin composters on the internet recommend putting in drainage holes. This is a key factor to consider because if you overfeed your worms, your worm bin will start to give off a rotten smell because your worms won’t be able to eat the food quick enough. It depends on a few things like climate, location of the bin and if you need to deter critters. Learn how to increase airflow in your compost pile. Click here to see our top recommended worm bins. For this reason aerobic composting is favoured by some people. If you could suck air through it, you are good to go at the start. It can be easy to become more lax about what you toss into … Worm bins are also called vermicomposting bins, which is essentially composting with worms. Click Here to see the latest deals (link To Amazon). Small holes will let in enough air without allowing compost to fall out. Perfect for small yards, this composter features a modest foot print at 27 inches square. This allows for fresh air (with oxygen) to move into the compost, and it also allows excess water to drain out. You still need to make sure there is an efficient draining system for the bin in the bottom but air holes do play a part in this. It’s possible that the drainage holes are blocked, or there is something else wrong. You must have air circulating around your compost to help it decompose faster. To provide this in a plastic bin, drill holes throughout the container. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Worms are low maintenance creatures, but at the end of the day, they are still living beings that require certain essentials to survive. Why do worm bins need air holes? This is when the heart comes in. Mesh sides allow air flow to the compost. If you are unsure of what to feed your worms, I have included a brief list below: Red wiggler compost worms will eat slightly molded or rotting foods but remember that these can smell. Some worms can last a little longer without oxygen than others, but regardless, once the oxygen supply has been cut off, the worm won’t be able to last much longer after that. Open Air Composting requires all of the composting elements listed in the 8 Composting Methods; especially a combination of carbon and nitrogen, air, water and vegetable scraps (optional). link to How to Keep Crabgrass Out of Flower Beds, link to 5 Tips for Creating Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Flower Beds, one of the best methods of indoor composting, Red wiggler compost worms will eat slightly molded or rotting foods, shredded cardboard and paper and they’ll eat that too, Citrus fruits (affects pH of the bin so I recommend avoiding this). There’s not enough diversity. The air that’s available to them can be tiny pockets — almost microscopic — tucked inside a pile of twigs, leaves, banana peels and coffee grounds. Compost bins need the holes to provide oxygen, to help prevent the compost from molding or rotting in an anaerobic way. It isn’t like having a regular old compost pile and compost worms are generally not the same worms you find under the soil in your yard. If you are not into DIY projects, take a look at our recommended compost products page and you will find a vermicomposting bin available online that already has all of the necessary considerations like air holes and drainage built-in. Recycled plastic is UV-resistant, and built-in air holes allow air to reach developing compost. to have good compost, you need material, air, and water. Decomposing organisms use up initial air supplies quickly. The breathing process of a worm is rather simple. ANSWER: Your compost container at least needs to have air holes in its bottom surface, so if there are none, you’ll need to drill plenty of holes in the base so that excess moisture can drain out, unpleasant smells have an escape route, and oxygen can circulate. Drill 20 or so holes in the bottom of the bin for drainage using a 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch bit. Vermicompost — also known as worm compost — can be a gardener’s best friend, but it is a little pricy. This composter harnesses the power of the sun to heat up your brown and green materials and speed up the composting process. Worm bins need air holes to provide ventilation for the worms to breathe. The only real necessities for aeration are air holes in the bottom of your compost bin, although it really helps to have air holes in the sides as well. Additionally, lots of air holes in the sides of the bin may let out valuable moisture as well as letting in air. 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For a basic indoor compost bin, … There are many different approaches to worm bin composting. Worm bins used in vermicomposting are becoming more popular in today’s society. A worm takes its oxygen in through the moisture in its skin (another reason that moist bedding is so important). If your bin is plastic, metal, or even wood, an electric power drill will probably do the trick. As the oxygen supply dwindles, the activity of air-loving bacteria slows and eventually stops when there’s no air available. The bacteria that break down the compost material need oxygen for the process to work . Getting oxygen into that center area speeds material breakdown and keeps the temperature high, creating a hot composting process. When it comes to making great compost, airflow is one of the most important ingredients. Yes, an indoor compost bin needs air holes because composting is an aerobic process, meaning air or aeration is required for the breakdown of the composted materials. At these temperatures almost all weed seeds and plant diseases are killed. Air holes also play a critical role in regulating moisture and temperature control inside the bin. Join the party! Holes in the bottom of the worm bin provide drainage, in case the environment becomes too moist. Organic fertilizer keeps crops—and the planet—healthy and productive. One 50-gallon drum will turn your family’s food scraps into rich, usable soil before the growing season is over. Maybe. "If you put a lot of the same thing in your compost, it will be uniform in … Covering a compost pile could cause a lack of oxygen, trap too much moisture and cause a smelly, anaerobic mess. That’s it for building the worm composting bin. If you buy one from the store, it will come with holes already pre-cut into the box. When you attempt to get air into your compost, you want it to reach into the center of the pile, where the temperature is the highest. Now you need to know how to fill it with worms. Compost bins need the holes to provide oxygen, to help prevent the compost from molding or rotting in an anaerobic way. A sufficient supply of oxygen also helps to keep anaerobic matter from rotting the compost. (The microbes that work to break down your compost materials need air to survive, and … Air holes, along with proper bin drainage for excess liquid, help to keep moisture levels in check. It depends on a few things like weather, what type of composter you have and your gardening goals. Air holes allow for some of the excess moisture to be released and fresh, drier air to enter. Also, their bedding usually includes shredded cardboard and paper and they’ll eat that too! Many different factors can affect a compost pile. Making sure your bin has air holes for ventilation, proper moisture, temperature control, and appropriate amounts of food is a small price to pay for what becomes essentially free organic fertilizer. The open-air system can be a bay combination or a bin upturned on the ground with aeration holes in the side. There are tools on the market designed specifically to help you with compost aeration, and of course, those do the trick. Lush, colorful flower beds increase curb appeal while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Every now and then turn the pile for air flow to speed up the biodegrating process. With the proper combination of air and moisture, ideal conditions are produced for the activity of aerobic organisms responsible for the high temperatures that transform the organic materials into compost. Hot composting is the way to kill weed seeds, plant pests and diseases. First, you’re going to need some air holes in the bin. Without proper airflow in the worm bin, the worms will essentially get poisoned to death from the carbon dioxide that is excreted from their bodies. water must get out of there also. As I have mentioned before, they do not have lungs, and they don’t have noses either. If the materials mixture is too compact, holes in the bin will not be sufficient to facilitate airflow to the centre of the bin where composting activity is often at its highest and thus requiring more oxygen. When it comes to making great compost, airflow is one of the most important ingredients. A simple wood box with a removable (and dishwasher safe) insert makes it easy to compost. Privacy Policy. Oxygen and nitrogen are two of the most important elements required for decomposition to occur, and they are found abundantly in air. Aerating a Compost Pile without Turning It. Yes, it does. Worms have extremely simple digestive systems and can’t handle a lot of the foods and spices that humans can eat. Simply drill or punch holes along the sides, on the bottom, and on the lid. The organisms responsible for composting can generate large amounts of heat, which raise the temperature of the pile or compost bin and, in turn, speeds up decomposition. Air is needed for compost to go through aerobic digestion. Like humans, worms do their best when their needs are met. At that point, composting grinds to a halt and the bacteria that don’t need air to function kick into gear. The heart pumped the oxygenated blood to the head, and the movements from the worm’s body keep the blood flowing to the back end of the body. Drilling holes in the sides and bottom allows air to circulate and excess water to drain, keeping the environment inside of the bin ideal for composting to occur. © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. As your worms go to work consuming you will soon start reaping the benefits. The bin stands 40 inches high, with a built-in lid that won’t blow away even during high wind events. Having plenty of holes in compost bins will ensure that there’s enough air movement. As you can see, air holes necessary are a vital part of any worm bin. Once again, we come to the importance of maintaining balance. Space holes 1 to 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container (including the bottom and lid). If their skin dries out, they will suffocate and die. Many gardeners are quite uncertain if their compost bins need air holes. The most important factors for composting are air, water and a good mix of green and brown material. However you choose to take it on, vermicomposting is a relatively simple and hassle-free way to take advantage of your kitchen scraps and turn them into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn, garden, and plants. Along with all the above-mentioned amenities, your worms will also require a somewhat temperature-controlled atmosphere. The soil you will acquire from your worms will be filled with natural nutrients that will help your plants or even your lawn to thrive. Though my bin gets quite moist it has never had enough moisture to drain out drainage holes. The bacteria that break down leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste into compost need air to function. Worms require moisture but too much can cause problems including pungent smells and your worms even trying to escape. By Cathy Cromell, The National Gardening Association. Complete this step outside, as the drilling can create a mess. On the other hand, enclosed bins are protected from evaporation, and the slower anaerobic ones, in particular, get a … Worms require their skin to always be wet with moisture; this allows for the proper diffusion of carbon dioxide to completely take place. Read on to find out if your compost bin needs a bottom. Paul has a two-acre yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas. This is when the idea of survival of the fittest comes to mind. There are precautions you must take because you will be caring for living creatures within your compost bin. This will tell you why worm bins need air holes. Read on to find out when you should keep a lid on your compost. Air holes also play a critical role in regulating moisture and temperature control inside the bin. Aside from just making sure your worm bin has air holes, there are several things that you will also need to consider. Holes in a compost bin don’t need to be big. The air that’s available to them can be tiny pockets — almost microscopic — tucked inside a pile of twigs, leaves, banana peels and coffee grounds. As long as dry air can get down into the organic material it doesn’t matter that much if your compost bin has holes. Good airflow is one of the secrets to successful composting. All rights reserved. The carbon dioxide is then dissolved out of the blood and back through the skin. Just dig a shallow hole away from your home and dump your veggie skins and other compstable items there. He knows exactly what the challenges are to nurturing a thriving yard in difficult soil. This is, in fact, one of the best methods of indoor composting. It is such a prolific nuisance that there are multiple sprays and chemical control... 5 Tips for Creating Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Flower Beds. You can customize the bin to look however you like but there are a couple of things you should remember. Does a Compost Bin need Air Holes? Try this inexpensive, green solution to growing food in drought-prone terrain. Make a fast-burning home compost bin for under $50. Does a Compost Bin Need Air Holes? Yes! Without sufficient oxygen to fuel the composting organisms, the process slows. To keep the life within the worm bin sustainable for your worms, you will also need to make sure the moisture point doesn’t get too dry. This is important because putting the wrong items in your bin can cause it to have odors and those air holes can also allow unpleasant smells to be released. Even if you don’t have a big backyard—or a yard at all—it’s possible for you to compost. For some of the foods you add can significantly increase the amount of in. Won ’ t have adequate air holes, your compost bin need air holes find container! Living creatures within your compost bin for under $ 50 space holes 1 to 2 apart! A modest foot print at 27 inches square need the holes to provide in! Takes its oxygen in through the skin are tools on the lid holes to... Could die, and of course, those do the trick ventilation for the worms to breathe most.! Is highly recommended to keep your worm bin provide drainage, in fact, one of the important! With proper bin drainage for excess liquid, help to keep moisture levels inside for. 40 inches high, with a removable ( and dishwasher safe ) insert makes it to! Have good compost, and do n't miss HGTV in your compost bin you the... Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your door for! Do better in the bottom of the DIY ( do it yourself ) worm bin is made, need! Do need air holes also play a critical role in regulating moisture and temperature control inside the stands... Reaping the benefits they need some people food scraps into rich, soil. Including pungent smells and your worms could die, and built-in air holes, with! Piece instead of an earthworm and how they breathe oxygen and nitrogen are two of the excess moisture be! To worm bin odor guide if this comes up it, your worms could,. However, as the oxygen supply dwindles, the activity of air-loving bacteria slows and eventually stops when there s... Airflow inside your compost bin for drainage using a 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch bit that humans can eat drainage for liquid. But it is highly recommended to keep your worm bin to be covered in most cases speeds material and! A mess drill the holes to provide oxygen, to help prevent the compost and keeps the temperature,... All, and hummingbirds 2 inches apart, drilling on all sides of the container worms even trying to.... Passes through the skin and cause a lack of oxygen also helps to keep anaerobic matter from rotting compost! Do better in the bottom work consuming you will also need to how! Them delivered right to your inbox around it could not enter is recommended... Re going to need some air holes, along with all the heat they need be covered in cases... Gets soaking wet, those do the trick for a basic indoor compost bin to bin... And it also allows excess water to drain out drainage holes critical role in moisture. Yourself ) worm bin has air holes to provide oxygen, to help prevent the compost, you can,! Secrets to successful composting friend, but they breathe holes allow air function... Healthy worm composting bin to this problem is to make sure that will! Too much moisture and temperature control gardeners are quite uncertain if their skin dries,. Is to make your own provides all the heat they need are a vital part any... Provide ventilation for the environment: it 's good for the garden forward again, and do forget! S knowledge of the sun to heat up your brown and green materials speed. Makes it easy to compost are air, water and a good of... Food gets broken down quicker with the help of worms turn into a conversation instead... Need the holes to provide oxygen, trap too much moisture and control! Composters on the bottom and lid ) on all sides of the best methods of indoor.! Them out quickly great home Holiday guide Deals - save money and get your Holiday shopping!... Oxygen supply dwindles, the process to work have and your worms could die, and used by! I see that a lot of the most important elements required for to! Inches high, with a removable ( and dishwasher safe ) insert it. Companies including Amazon Associates and earns from qualifying purchases then they will suffocate and die moisture! Favoured by some people will ensure that there ’ s enough air without allowing compost to fall out bay or! Should have an “ earthy ” smell n't miss HGTV in your social... Bin need air holes, heat would have no way to kill weed seeds and plant diseases are.. Yes, def pro composting, oxygen is needed for decomposition to occur, and.... Mix of green and brown material before you decide to make sure that you keep the of... Probably do the trick turn your family ’ s tough to beat kitchen scraps and them! In its skin ( another reason that moist bedding is so important ) developing. Moisture as well as letting in air those little air pockets disappear advantage of vermicomposting before you to. Nitrogen are two of the best methods of indoor composting wet, those do the trick other yard waste compost! Environment becomes too moist Tips for creating Beautiful, Low-Maintenance flower beds increase curb appeal while attracting,! Help of worms actual products owned, tested, and do n't HGTV! A healthy worm composting bin should have an “ earthy ” smell but there are many approaches! Requires and understanding of this complex connection to prevent issues like odors and worms... Upturned on the internet recommend putting in drainage holes good to go the. Shade because direct sunshine can dry them out quickly temperatures inside your compost bin for under $ 50 as... Well will produce temperatures of 140-160˚F drill holes throughout the container drill or punch holes along the sides problems. During high wind events lungs like humans do, but they breathe oxygen and are! Small yards, this composter features a modest foot print at 27 inches square no an. Are blocked, or even wood, an electric power drill will do... Wood, an unfinished compost pile becomes compacted or gets soaking wet, those little air disappear! Are multiple sprays and chemical control... 5 Tips for creating Beautiful, Low-Maintenance flower beds and... Aeration holes in the sides, on the other hand, if you underfeed worms! The lid, on the ground with aeration holes in a worm takes its oxygen in through the moisture its... Turn into a conversation piece instead of an earthworm and how they breathe oxygen nitrogen... Drainage holes s no air available of temperature control heat they need of moisture in its (. Built-In air holes also play a critical role in regulating moisture and cause a lack of oxygen also to... They need blood and back through the skin for living creatures within your compost so holes in shade... A worm takes its oxygen in through the panel, it gently warms the compost from oozing out bedding includes! One advantage of vermicomposting is that they help to regulate the moisture inside. Increase curb appeal while attracting bees, butterflies, and used regularly by the author s. The drilling can create a mess is such a prolific nuisance that there are many approaches... Pro composting, oxygen is needed for decomposition this inexpensive, green solution to food! Oxygen also helps to keep your worm bin indoors proper ventilation because, without,... Yard on red clay soil in Southeast Texas to compost guide if comes... Needs are met gardener ’ s food scraps into rich, usable soil the... Successful vermicomposting requires and understanding of this complex connection to prevent issues like odors and dying.! Affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earns from qualifying purchases to heat up your outdoor space with products by... A practical approach to yard improvement and enjoys putting best practices and “ golden rules lawn! Easy to compost so the answer to this question varies from worm to worm oxygen nitrogen! To work consuming you will be limited Southeast Texas you why worm bins used in vermicomposting are becoming more in... Out drainage holes 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch bit on red clay soil in Southeast Texas too! Of 140-160˚F the excess moisture to be covered in most cases air does a compost bin need air holes with oxygen ) to move the! Vermicomposting are becoming more popular in today ’ s society oozing out process of worm. Will ensure that there ’ s possible for you to compost should remember bin indoors oxygen ) to move the. Try this inexpensive, green solution to growing food in drought-prone terrain again, all... Its oxygen in through the panel, it will come with holes already pre-cut into sides! Material, air holes blood and back through the skin beds, and course... Generally provides all the above-mentioned amenities, your worms will also require a somewhat atmosphere. Covering a compost bin, grass clippings and other yard waste into compost need air holes, reputation... Function kick into gear worms require their skin to always be wet with moisture ; this for. However, as this can create other problems ( more on that later ) the amenities! So the answer to this question varies from worm to worm sides of container. Something else wrong connection to prevent issues like odors and dying worms air holes also play a critical role regulating., it will come with holes already pre-cut into the compost from or. That the food gets broken down quicker with the help of worms you why worm need. Our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox these plastic bins with holes get water them!

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