I'm trying my two 5-gallon bucket idea for a worm bin. It doesn't take up much space, but can't testify how well it will work out til I see how it goes. On the 3rd day now and so far the red wigglers are busy chewing away.

For a beginner, I think a rubbermaid bin is a good way to start. I punched holes all over mine with a hot glue gun, even the bottom. It would be best to keep something under it so any leakage would not mark the balcony surface. I've never had enough fluid to collect any worm tea, but I cycle through a lot of kitchen scraps and that seems to keep things moist enough.

What are you thinking of using for bedding?

Good luck, and have fun.

I'm also a newbie - my worm bin is 4 weeks old yesterday and going strong.

I used a rubbermaid bin and drilled a lot of small holes on the sides and top. None on the bottom but the first row on the side are pretty low. My total cost was about $4.

I started with a cup of worms I picked up at a compost class, dropped them in with some moist newspaper and a little bit of food, including some crumbled egg shells, and so far, so good. I was a bit nervous at first but I can see a bit of dirt now and the food I put in is disappearing. The very tops of the newspaper are dry but the part where the worms are is moist. There is a bit of condensation on the sides of the bin as well. None of the worms have opted to move out (read escape) so I think it's working well.

Good luck with your new friends!

I assume you use your balcony for more than just worm farming? You want to be able to have visitors outside and not smell rotting garbage?

You should buy a Worm Factory, like the one shown in the link below.

It can be covered with a table cloth or material and used as a functional table as it has a flat top. These bins are covered, so insects and smells are reduced. The tap on the side makes for easy harvesting of the worm liquid (Which, by the way, is not 'worm tea'). You should have enough waste to keep this size bin going.

Open topped DIY buckets are great for the backyard, but i wouldnt keep one inside due to the insects and smell (I like the earthy smell of my worm bin, but some dont) and liquid management. The can 'o' worms is fine, but it doesnt have a flat top.

Do yourself a favour. They cost around $80 and are so easy to use its amazing. I have two.

"Worm tea" is a way of preparing the castings (compost) from the bin (mixing it with water). The stuff that flows out the bottom of the bin is waste liquid, and does not have the same amazing properties as "Worm Tea", but is still good for plants.

Let us know what you decide.

Raphael in Australia

Here is a link that might be useful: Worm Factory

Raphael, where did you get this Worm Factory? There are different ones out there. I like the looks of this one.

Thanks!
Karen

If you want to buy something pre-made, the worm factory or can-O-worms might be appropriate. As noted, the worm factory looks like it could double as a table. The can-O-worms is more appropriate for a corner either on the balcony or in the kitchen.

Just make sure that you don't get any direct sun where you intend to put the worm farm out on the balcony, those black plastic comercial worm bins will heat up and cook your worms with any sun hitting them.

If you want to save a little money, there are numerous ways you can build your own version. Buckets, rubermaid bins, wood boxes, old dresser drawers etc.

I started with the can o worms and have had great success.I decided to try thr rubbermaid method so I could see if it worked and teach others.I was skeptical about the rubbermaid method but it works fine I keep mine in the garage. I have NO ODORS and let me tell you why.Have a bucket to soak newspaper strips in. You do not want chlorine water so this gives the chlorine a chance to diccipate. When you add fresh food be sure to cover with newspaper strips(WET) This keeps bugs and odor down.Always have a 3 inch layer of damp strips on top.This also becomes bedding.
There is a site called Oscar jr that shows the rubbermaid method but then you stack more and it is much like the Can O Worms