How to compost with worms at home and turn kitchen waste into rich fertilizer

Worm composting — or vermicomposting — is a powerful way to recycle kitchen waste and create nutrient-rich fertilizer, even in small apartments. With the right setup, you’ll have no smell, no mess, and great results.

The system uses special compost worms to break down organic waste. The result is humus: a dark, fluffy soil amendment packed with beneficial microbes and nutrients for plants.

According to this guide from Pravda.ru, all you need is a plastic bin with holes and the right balance of moisture and food scraps. What you feed your worms matters — not everything belongs in the bin.

What to feed your compost worms — and what to avoid

Worm composting myths debunked

• Myth: Worm bins are smelly and dirty.
  Fact: Properly managed, they’re odorless and clean.
• Myth: You need a backyard.
  Fact: A small box works even in studio apartments.

Starter tips for a healthy worm bin

• Use Eisenia fetida (red wigglers) — they compost quickly.
• Keep bedding moist like a wrung-out sponge.
• Keep the bin in a cool, shady spot (not in direct sun).
• Cover scraps with paper or dry leaves to prevent flies.

Worm composting is an accessible way to reduce waste and create living soil. It’s quiet, low-maintenance, and surprisingly satisfying — nature’s recycling, right at home.